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True Sisters
In a novel based on true events, New York Times bestselling author Sandra Dallas delivers the story of four women---seeking the promise of salvation and prosperity in a new land---who come together on a harrowing journey.
In 1856, Mormon converts, encouraged by Brigham Young himself, and outfitted with two-wheeled handcarts, set out on foot from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, the promised land. The Martin Handcart Company, a ragtag group of weary families headed for Zion, is the last to leave on this 1,300-mile journey. Three companies that left earlier in the year have completed their trek successfully, but for the Martin Company the trip proves disastrous. True Sisters tells the story of four women from the British Isles traveling in this group. Four women whose lives will become inextricably linked as they endure unimaginable hardships, each one testing the boundaries of her faith and learning the true meaning of survival and friendship along the way.Â
There's Nannie, who is traveling with her sister and brother-in-law after being abandoned on her wedding day.Â
There's Louisa, who's married to an overbearing church leader who she believes speaks for God.
There's Jessie, who's traveling with her brothers, each one of them dreaming of the farm they will have in Zion.
And finally, There's Anne, who hasn't converted to Mormonism but who has no choice but to follow her husband since he has sold everything to make the trek to Utah.
Sandra Dallas has once again written a moving portrait of women surviving the unimaginable through the ties of female friendship. Her rich storytelling will leave you breathless as you take this trip with Nannie, Louisa, Jessie, and Anne. This is Sandra Dallas at her absolute best.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2012
150 people are currently reading
3659 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Dallas
50 books1,895 followersAward-winning author SANDRA DALLAS was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue Magazine. Sandra’s novels with their themes of loyalty, friendship, and human dignity have been translated into a dozen foreign languages and have been optioned for films.
A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.
While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.
Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.
The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...
A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.
While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.
Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.
The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews
October 19, 2012
So last night I finished reading True Sisters by Sandra Dallas. I like Sandra Dallas. I’ve met her personally in Houston at the International Quilt Festival. I’ve enjoyed her books. Fun reads, many have quilt stories in them like the Persian Pickle Club and Alice’s Tulips. When I heard she’d written a book about the Martin Handcart Company, I immediately ordered it. Hardback, full price, well, Amazon.com price. I was excited to read it. I inserted it into my list of books I must read now pile, right at the top and got started. That was several weeks ago. I really tried to like the book. I made the effort, but I just kept putting it down. It doesn’t usually take me more than a month to finish a book. It’s usually something I do in a day or two. So why was this book so hard to get through?
Sandra Dallas wanted to write a story about the Mormon women who came west in the Martin Handcart Company. She wanted to tell how brave and strong they were. I immediately thought of Wallace Stegner’s comment about how the Mormon pioneers were stalwart, but the Mormon women were amazing (in the preface to Gathering to Zion). Having read 100s of Nauvoo and Pioneer journals in the last year, I was interested to see how she would portray these women.
Unfortunately, she elevated the women characters in her book at the expense of the men. There were several women in the story who’s lives we followed across the plains and through the snow and horrors of starvation and bitter cold. There were a few tender moments, but I found myself frustrated with her portrayal of the men these women walked beside. Each one had major character flaws. Every single one was exposed in undesirable ways, even to the last sentences of the book. It was as if the only way she could write to elevate the women was by creating flaws for the men. It was unbalanced, unrealistic and uncomfortable. They were bull-headed, rude, lustful, impatient, and unkind. They were or created the problems in every instance. It wore on me. I kept putting the book down, not caring to read on, but I finally did, last night. And then I wanted to tell people, “Read the Actual Accounts.” The story you find there is completely different than what Dallas tries to tell in this book. Besides that, I never once really felt the cold.
I’ve read the real thing, in their actual handwriting, or in transcriptions painstakingly made. They say the book is usually better than the movie. I say the journals are always better than the books. Such was the case here. Don’t bother with this book, read the real thing.
Sandra Dallas wanted to write a story about the Mormon women who came west in the Martin Handcart Company. She wanted to tell how brave and strong they were. I immediately thought of Wallace Stegner’s comment about how the Mormon pioneers were stalwart, but the Mormon women were amazing (in the preface to Gathering to Zion). Having read 100s of Nauvoo and Pioneer journals in the last year, I was interested to see how she would portray these women.
Unfortunately, she elevated the women characters in her book at the expense of the men. There were several women in the story who’s lives we followed across the plains and through the snow and horrors of starvation and bitter cold. There were a few tender moments, but I found myself frustrated with her portrayal of the men these women walked beside. Each one had major character flaws. Every single one was exposed in undesirable ways, even to the last sentences of the book. It was as if the only way she could write to elevate the women was by creating flaws for the men. It was unbalanced, unrealistic and uncomfortable. They were bull-headed, rude, lustful, impatient, and unkind. They were or created the problems in every instance. It wore on me. I kept putting the book down, not caring to read on, but I finally did, last night. And then I wanted to tell people, “Read the Actual Accounts.” The story you find there is completely different than what Dallas tries to tell in this book. Besides that, I never once really felt the cold.
I’ve read the real thing, in their actual handwriting, or in transcriptions painstakingly made. They say the book is usually better than the movie. I say the journals are always better than the books. Such was the case here. Don’t bother with this book, read the real thing.
February 8, 2017
What a fascinating book about a little known event in American History. In 1856 LDS converts in the British Isles left their homes to move to SLC, Utah. Most of them were hard pressed, factory workers in poor health looking for a better life.
They journeyed across the ocean and travelled by train to Iowa City where the final push of their journey commenced. They were provided with 2 wheeled hand carts to travel overland 1,500 miles to Utah and the promised land. Unfortunately those hand carts were not up to the challenge and had to be abandoned.
Like the tragic Donner Party, the weather turned against them with an early winter after a late start.
Sadly, the hand cart casualities would far out number the Donner party disaster.
The author read true survivor accounts and based her book on true experiences although the characters are fictional. These characters come to life and are very sympathetic which makes their bad luck difficult to read about at times.
As the casualties mounted the pioneers would bring new members into their family party to help push their hand carts. Suddenly orphaned children were taken in by kindly members and the elderly were helped along as well. Their behavior in such horrendous circumstances was inspirational.
I believe this book would have been even better if a map had been included showing their westward journey as I was often confused as to just where they were and how much further they had to travel.
I still rated True Sisters 5 stars since I couldn't put this excellent book down.
What has always impressed me when reading about English immigrants arriving in America and certainly in this particular case, is that when civilization broke down around them with the resulting confusion and panic they no doubt felt, these English immigrants did not stop behaving in a civilized manner with the resulting anarchy.
No, they continued to maintain their Christian faith and help others as they joined together to survive their horrendous circumstances always striving to keep their children alive and continuing to pray faithfully to God for succor.
They journeyed across the ocean and travelled by train to Iowa City where the final push of their journey commenced. They were provided with 2 wheeled hand carts to travel overland 1,500 miles to Utah and the promised land. Unfortunately those hand carts were not up to the challenge and had to be abandoned.
Like the tragic Donner Party, the weather turned against them with an early winter after a late start.
Sadly, the hand cart casualities would far out number the Donner party disaster.
The author read true survivor accounts and based her book on true experiences although the characters are fictional. These characters come to life and are very sympathetic which makes their bad luck difficult to read about at times.
As the casualties mounted the pioneers would bring new members into their family party to help push their hand carts. Suddenly orphaned children were taken in by kindly members and the elderly were helped along as well. Their behavior in such horrendous circumstances was inspirational.
I believe this book would have been even better if a map had been included showing their westward journey as I was often confused as to just where they were and how much further they had to travel.
I still rated True Sisters 5 stars since I couldn't put this excellent book down.
What has always impressed me when reading about English immigrants arriving in America and certainly in this particular case, is that when civilization broke down around them with the resulting confusion and panic they no doubt felt, these English immigrants did not stop behaving in a civilized manner with the resulting anarchy.
No, they continued to maintain their Christian faith and help others as they joined together to survive their horrendous circumstances always striving to keep their children alive and continuing to pray faithfully to God for succor.
June 9, 2012
I had a very hard time reading this book. It was well written as far as a fictional novel goes I suppose. I struggled with the authors point of view on the LDS pioneer women who made the trek across the west to Zion. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this is not a correct view of the sisters who made this journey. My spirit felt offended for them. I have read journal accounts for one of the families she depicts in her book. The sister laid next to her husband who had passed away sometime in the night for the most of the night because she did not want to wake the others. The way the author handled it was so unemotional and the spirit was just missing from this book IMO. She also portrays our leaders badly as well IMO. No one was excommunicated for choosing to stay in winters quarters. It bothers me that people are going to read this book thinking it is an accurate portrayal of our Pioneer Sisters and of our church and leaders. This book is a work of fiction with very little historical fact IMO.
February 1, 2023
True Sisters by Sandra Dallas is not one of my favorites by this author. I found it a bit dry and almost boring. Though there was plenty of adventure. It was sad and not at all uplifting. Lots of death and hardship which is expected during pioneer times. I have to admire those that kept going and did not give up.
October 12, 2012
You've got to hand it her, really. It is a tricky subject and to take on something like this is pretty daring, I thought. As someone who was just on this very trail, last summer, I thought I would be super critical of this book. I think she did an admirable job. She tried to explain their suffering as well as their faith.
I learned something: On page 280 I thought I found a typo. It says, "Louisa tried to courtesy, but her wet skirts threw her off." I figured this was wrong, but in the dictionary it does say it can be spelled this way and also as "curtsy."
Just have to say one thing. I know it's difficult for others to understand polygamy, but she missed something terribly moving and meaningful. She talks about the saints arriving in Salt Lake and the possibility that the older men will be there to snatch up the available women.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Brigham Young told the members that every person was to be cared for and brought to a home to be nurtured and fed and rested until they were better and able to survivie on their own. Men and women met the saints as they arrived not to watch for their next wife, but to perform a beautiful act of Christian charity. While some marriages, obviously, took place, there were many people who were cared for as if they belonged in the family where they stayed. They wanted to be of service and they were and I'm proud of them for it.
I learned something: On page 280 I thought I found a typo. It says, "Louisa tried to courtesy, but her wet skirts threw her off." I figured this was wrong, but in the dictionary it does say it can be spelled this way and also as "curtsy."
Just have to say one thing. I know it's difficult for others to understand polygamy, but she missed something terribly moving and meaningful. She talks about the saints arriving in Salt Lake and the possibility that the older men will be there to snatch up the available women.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Brigham Young told the members that every person was to be cared for and brought to a home to be nurtured and fed and rested until they were better and able to survivie on their own. Men and women met the saints as they arrived not to watch for their next wife, but to perform a beautiful act of Christian charity. While some marriages, obviously, took place, there were many people who were cared for as if they belonged in the family where they stayed. They wanted to be of service and they were and I'm proud of them for it.
May 25, 2012
Hugely disappointing. Boring. Degrading. I concur with what one reader said: "historical inaccuracies, and the obvious bias against Mormons in the name of creating a novel. The author ignored all of the uplifting, miraculous moments on the disastrous Martin Handcart trek in favor of a predictable (and historically inaccurate) polygamy plot. She chose to dwell on the heart-breaking moments of the trek, adding some very unlikable characters as the leaders, creating an over-all depressing book."
April 23, 2013
Hmmm. I am still processing how I feel about this book. My negative thoughts are-the women were portrayed without animation. Just flat faced, opressed women with the inability to think for themselves. The men were portrayed as overbearing, unkind, pompous "leaders" of their families. I realize that men were more domineering in those times, and women more submissive; but this was excessive,and possibly demeaning,to these people who suffered so much for their beliefs. I was also surprised at some of the author's writing. The Word of Wisdom was practised at this time. There were very possibly people who chose not to follow all of its teachings, but I question the rescuers bringing coffee to them. Whiskey was a great pain reliever, and was used for that purpose by many people at that time. I guess one of my biggest concerns is the fact that the writng seemed short on some research and understanding. The polygamy aspect was over the top. talk about foreshadowing! Hit the reader with a ten foot club! My biggest concern was the writer's comment in her acknowledgement section. To refer to the handcart usage as a scheme, is to ridicule and demeen someone who cannot defent themselves. My own ancestors led several handcart companies to the Salt Lake Valley after the Martin handcart company. These were successful, and yet they were not mentioned in this section. Uninformed readers wuld be left with the impression that this was the end of handcart companies. If someone asked me if they should read this book, I would say, with a very large grain of salt. For you can't believe much in there. Yes, I am a Mormon. And grateful for it.
August 29, 2012
Being a Mormon I am well aquatinted with the pioneer parts of church history. I found myself comparing this book to Gerald Lund's book, The Fire and the Covenant. Both books are excellent, and evoke an array of emotions within me. I cry while reading about the horrific conditions these early saints endured, and I feel guilty for snuggling in my warm bed, while my food cooks in the oven. I enjoyed the story of these women (and their families), and how their lives intertwine. I am impressed that the author (a non-member) is able to accurately depict their lives and situations, while guessing at what their feelings might be. I felt that the author left out many of the positive aspects of this journey, but focused more on the criticism. It brought to mind a quote I once read...
Some years after the Martin company made their journey to Salt Lake City, a teacher in a Church class commented how foolish it was for the Martin company to come across the plains when it did. The teacher criticized the Church leaders for allowing a company to make such a journey without more supplies and protection.
An old man sitting in the classroom listened for a few moments and then spoke out, asking that the criticism be stopped. He said, “Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it. … We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities [difficulties].
“I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it. … I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.
“Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company” (quoted in David O. McKay, “Pioneer Women,” p. 8; emphasis in original).
All in all, it was an enjoyable piece of historical fiction.
Some years after the Martin company made their journey to Salt Lake City, a teacher in a Church class commented how foolish it was for the Martin company to come across the plains when it did. The teacher criticized the Church leaders for allowing a company to make such a journey without more supplies and protection.
An old man sitting in the classroom listened for a few moments and then spoke out, asking that the criticism be stopped. He said, “Mistake to send the Handcart Company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it. … We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church, because everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities [difficulties].
“I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it. … I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.
“Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company” (quoted in David O. McKay, “Pioneer Women,” p. 8; emphasis in original).
All in all, it was an enjoyable piece of historical fiction.
April 18, 2012
I think we all know about the westward migration via wagon train, but how many of you have heard of the Mormon Handcart pioneers? Converts to the Mormon faith were *encouraged* to make the 1,300 mile trek west to Zion on foot with handcarts the were pushed/pulled. Those handcarts couldn't carry a very much in the way of supplies, but they had been promised there would be supply stations along the way...
Righto.
True Sisters is based on the Martin Handcart Company, the last group to make the trek in 1856; a group that started much too late in the season and didn't heed the warnings to stay put and start again in the Spring. Or should I say those that *gasp!* dared to question the elders were threatened with the horrors of being labeled as an apostate and shunned by their fellow church members.
I'm not going further into story detail, but if you must go and spoil yourself there's plenty on info on the web about the Martin Handcart Company. I love pioneer history, so this was right up my alley, especially with the focus being on strong female characters, all coming from different walks of life. There are a lot of POV switches at the start as the character's backgrounds are set up, and it can be confusing at times. The advance copy I had didn't have a character list, but if the finished copies don't have a character listing, I'd recommend taking notes to refer back to as you go along, especially if you make the mistake of putting it down for a few days (like I did). All in all a very compelling read, but events do get a bit grim on the trail so this story is not going to suit every reader.
Reviewed for Amazon Vine.
Righto.
True Sisters is based on the Martin Handcart Company, the last group to make the trek in 1856; a group that started much too late in the season and didn't heed the warnings to stay put and start again in the Spring. Or should I say those that *gasp!* dared to question the elders were threatened with the horrors of being labeled as an apostate and shunned by their fellow church members.
I'm not going further into story detail, but if you must go and spoil yourself there's plenty on info on the web about the Martin Handcart Company. I love pioneer history, so this was right up my alley, especially with the focus being on strong female characters, all coming from different walks of life. There are a lot of POV switches at the start as the character's backgrounds are set up, and it can be confusing at times. The advance copy I had didn't have a character list, but if the finished copies don't have a character listing, I'd recommend taking notes to refer back to as you go along, especially if you make the mistake of putting it down for a few days (like I did). All in all a very compelling read, but events do get a bit grim on the trail so this story is not going to suit every reader.
Reviewed for Amazon Vine.
May 3, 2012
I gave this book a chance, even though I usually steer clear of books written about the Mormon Church that aren't written by members. I couldn't get over the historical inaccuracies, and the obvious bias against Mormons in the name of creating a novel. The author ignored all of the uplifting, miraculous moments on the disastrous Martin Handcart trek in favor of a predictable (and historically inaccurate) polygamy plot. She chose to dwell on the heart-breaking moments of the trek, adding some very unlikable characters as the leaders, creating an over-all depressing book. The only redeemable thing was the close relationship between Ella and her sister Nannie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2018
This is one of my favorite authors, and she happens to be a local author here in Denver. This is based on a true event of the trek of Mormons across the country to Salt Lake. I loved her description of the characters and the experiences they had along the way, which really helped the reader feel for what was happening to them. The tragedy of what happened to the Donner Party was doubled for this group. I would definitely recommend this if this subject appeals to you.
July 16, 2018
Excellent, well researched book. One that lines up with my maternal family history with my Mormon ancestors as recent as grandparents. In fact, Sandra Dallas was gentle and kind in her depiction and skimmed over the harsher aspects.
Well done, as always!!!
Well done, as always!!!
March 22, 2014
I have read several books by Sandra Dallas and have loved each one. She is a gifted writer who focuses on women living in the West. They are beautiful stories with a poignant moral woven within each narration. My favorite is still Prayers for Sale.
That's why it pains me to say that I hated this book. The author's obvious negative views toward mormonism took the center stage of this novel. She was not able to keep her own anti-mormon views in check. Between her failure to write complex, interesting characters as she has in the past and opting to fall into stereotypes and outright inaccuracies, I was appalled. The men were all the typical religious man who is domineering and arrogant while the women were timid, mindless, oppressed and childlike.
For clarification's sake, I have to say that no one was "forced" across the plains under threat of excomminication or "going to hell" if they did not go. When people died, it was not believed it was their lack of faith. Those who stayed behind and waited until spring were not shunned or excommunicated. A very small percentage of mormon men practiced polygamy and those men were asked to do so. They did not believe that any of the leaders of the handcart companies were the voice of God.
And let's be honest here, these people were fighting for their lives. Does anyone really think there was a great debate going on about polygamy with them choosing up their wives? When they arrived in Salt Lake they were not all selected for homes to be married off as if they were on some auction block. People brought them into their homes to nurse them back to health. Many were on the edge of death from starvation, sickness, and frost bite. It is insulting to suggest that offering someone help was just a way to find a wife. To weave the polygamy thing into this story was stupid anyways. But it was a way to sell more books, I'm sure.
Sandra Dallas is a better writer than this. She says in her acknowledgement that she wanted to write about an important part of western american history and the women who lived it. Based on who she listed as her research, she could have done just that. Sadly, she failed miserably.
That's why it pains me to say that I hated this book. The author's obvious negative views toward mormonism took the center stage of this novel. She was not able to keep her own anti-mormon views in check. Between her failure to write complex, interesting characters as she has in the past and opting to fall into stereotypes and outright inaccuracies, I was appalled. The men were all the typical religious man who is domineering and arrogant while the women were timid, mindless, oppressed and childlike.
For clarification's sake, I have to say that no one was "forced" across the plains under threat of excomminication or "going to hell" if they did not go. When people died, it was not believed it was their lack of faith. Those who stayed behind and waited until spring were not shunned or excommunicated. A very small percentage of mormon men practiced polygamy and those men were asked to do so. They did not believe that any of the leaders of the handcart companies were the voice of God.
And let's be honest here, these people were fighting for their lives. Does anyone really think there was a great debate going on about polygamy with them choosing up their wives? When they arrived in Salt Lake they were not all selected for homes to be married off as if they were on some auction block. People brought them into their homes to nurse them back to health. Many were on the edge of death from starvation, sickness, and frost bite. It is insulting to suggest that offering someone help was just a way to find a wife. To weave the polygamy thing into this story was stupid anyways. But it was a way to sell more books, I'm sure.
Sandra Dallas is a better writer than this. She says in her acknowledgement that she wanted to write about an important part of western american history and the women who lived it. Based on who she listed as her research, she could have done just that. Sadly, she failed miserably.
March 19, 2012
I found this book disappointing. What is billed as a story about the Martin handcart company turned into an anti polygamy rant and a put down of Mormon men, especially those in leadership positions. The plot is disjointed and told from so many points of view it lacks cohesiveness. There is no sense of sisterhood except between the two biological sisters. Contact between the other women is fleeting. At times the writing is brilliant; other times it wanders so much it loses any real impact. As a descendant of pioneers on that hand cart company and of one of the rescuers, a great grandfather who is buried beside the Sweetwater in Wyoming, as well as a woman who left the group with her husband to sign on as indentured servents when they lacked the funds to go on, I found this version sadly lacking. A far more accurate and compelling novel concerning this tragedy is David Farland's "In the Company of Angels".
October 22, 2015
Based on true events related to the Martin Handcart Company, the last of the handcart groups to make the crossing from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, under the encouragement of Brigham Young, Dallas presents the venture through an omniscient narrator who focuses on the lives of four women—who are seeking the promise of salvation and prosperity in a new land. It turns out to be a most harrowing journey, with disease, deprivation, discouragement and despair, as well as death being their companions when the company encounters bitter winter and lack of provisions along the way. Not only is physical strength, but inner fortitude, as well as challenge to faith, pushed to unexpected limits. Learning the will to survive and to develop friendships, strength of character emerges in the women: "Nannie, who is traveling with her sister and brother-in-law after being abandoned on her wedding day; Louisa, who’s married to an overbearing church leader who she believes speaks for God; Jessie, who’s traveling with her brothers, each one of them dreaming of the farm they will have in Zion; and Anne, who hasn’t converted to Mormonism but who has no choice but to follow her husband since he has sold everything to make the trek to Utah." These emigrants from England and Scotland have captured the dream of a new life. As the trek unfolds, the reader sees each of the women struggling with her relationships with God, with others, and with herself.
Dallas "has written a moving portrait of women surviving the unimaginable through the ties of female friendship."
Excellent—beautifully written; honest; real characters. This is historical fiction at its best. Dallas and Jane Kirkpatrick are two of my favorite historical fiction authors.
Dallas "has written a moving portrait of women surviving the unimaginable through the ties of female friendship."
Excellent—beautifully written; honest; real characters. This is historical fiction at its best. Dallas and Jane Kirkpatrick are two of my favorite historical fiction authors.
September 5, 2012
I don't know what made me pick up this book from the "New Fiction" section at the library -- after all, the spine just has the title and a little tiny picture of what appear to be Pioneers -- but am very glad I did! These are not just any pioneers, but the Martin Handcart Company of 1856, making their way across 1300 miles from Iowa City to the Great Salt Lake to share Zion with their Mormon sisters and brothers. I have done other reading about the Handcart treks, both fiction and non- -- Wallace Stegner's is amazing -- but this one, told from the point of view of several of the women on the journey, was better than most. Disclosure -- I am not a Mormon, but I find this history intriguing. I'm pretty sure I could not have done what they did. The author is also not a Mormon, but she certainly has done her research and you can feel her admiration for what these women were able to do. It's not always a happy story -- in fact, it's hardly EVER a happy story; even those who survive the journey have difficulties once they get to the Promised Land.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this was a welcome addition. Whether you're new to the subject matter or have read about it before, I think this is well-worth your time. I was not familiar with this author at all, but having read some of the other reviews for this book, I think I will search out more of her work -- although I think this one may be hard to top!
P.S. Yeah, I'm on vacation and getting a lot of reading done... yay!
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this was a welcome addition. Whether you're new to the subject matter or have read about it before, I think this is well-worth your time. I was not familiar with this author at all, but having read some of the other reviews for this book, I think I will search out more of her work -- although I think this one may be hard to top!
P.S. Yeah, I'm on vacation and getting a lot of reading done... yay!
March 31, 2019
I thought this was very interesting historical fiction. I knew nothing of the handcart expedition to Utah.
September 12, 2015
From the book jacket In 1856, Mormon converts, encouraged by Brigham Young himself, and outfitted with two-wheeled handcarts, set out on foot from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, the promised land. The Martin Handcart Company … is the last (of five groups) to leave on this 1,300-mile journey. Earlier companies arrive successfully in Salt Lake City, but for the Martin Company the trip proves disastrous.
My reactions
Based on a true episode in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Dallas’s novel focuses on four fictional women and their families as they make the arduous trip toward salvation. Louisa is married to one of the most zealous and influential prophets and she firmly believes he speaks for God. Jessie and her two brothers plan to found a successful farm in the fertile valley they envision. Nannie is making the trek with her sister and brother-in-law, after having been abandoned on her wedding day. Anne hasn’t converted to Mormonism but has no choice but to follow her husband since he has sold the thriving business her father left them to fund the trip to Utah.
The story is told in alternating vignettes, keeping the reader informed about each of these women and how they fare on the journey. I knew about the handcart expeditions but the focus of this novel makes for a very personalized history lesson on this episode in the setting of the American West. It also makes for a fast and compelling read. I did have a little trouble with the dialect and period phrases at times, but I could figure out from context what was meant.
Dallas excels at painting the landscape of this journey across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. The reader feels the oppressive heat of late August, the gloriously crisp days of autumn, the cold and damp of trudging through a series of rainy days, the bitter sting of sleet, and the unending cold of a November blizzard. What I particularly liked about the novel, however, were the women themselves. Not just the main four characters, but several other women they encountered in their travels showed themselves to be strong, resilient, intelligent, resourceful, opinionated, clever, skilled, compassionate, helpful, determined and good judges of character. Yes, there were vain, whiny, weak women (and men) in the group as well, but the strong women shone. They were nothing short of incredible. And while Dallas chose to use totally fictional characters, the reader is wise to remember that there were hundreds of real men and women who made similar journeys, including the 625 souls who actually set out with the Martin Company.
My reactions
Based on a true episode in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Dallas’s novel focuses on four fictional women and their families as they make the arduous trip toward salvation. Louisa is married to one of the most zealous and influential prophets and she firmly believes he speaks for God. Jessie and her two brothers plan to found a successful farm in the fertile valley they envision. Nannie is making the trek with her sister and brother-in-law, after having been abandoned on her wedding day. Anne hasn’t converted to Mormonism but has no choice but to follow her husband since he has sold the thriving business her father left them to fund the trip to Utah.
The story is told in alternating vignettes, keeping the reader informed about each of these women and how they fare on the journey. I knew about the handcart expeditions but the focus of this novel makes for a very personalized history lesson on this episode in the setting of the American West. It also makes for a fast and compelling read. I did have a little trouble with the dialect and period phrases at times, but I could figure out from context what was meant.
Dallas excels at painting the landscape of this journey across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. The reader feels the oppressive heat of late August, the gloriously crisp days of autumn, the cold and damp of trudging through a series of rainy days, the bitter sting of sleet, and the unending cold of a November blizzard. What I particularly liked about the novel, however, were the women themselves. Not just the main four characters, but several other women they encountered in their travels showed themselves to be strong, resilient, intelligent, resourceful, opinionated, clever, skilled, compassionate, helpful, determined and good judges of character. Yes, there were vain, whiny, weak women (and men) in the group as well, but the strong women shone. They were nothing short of incredible. And while Dallas chose to use totally fictional characters, the reader is wise to remember that there were hundreds of real men and women who made similar journeys, including the 625 souls who actually set out with the Martin Company.
July 31, 2012
Sandra Dallas at 'her absolute best', as described on the jacket of True Sisters, is a SHAM. She has done her homework and knows the trek, but obviously has a bone to pick with men and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She demeans the church and the priesthood, and distorts testimony, polygamy, and Mormon women.
If you're looking for a 'hate Mormons' novel, read True Sisters. Look elsewhere if you want an accurate portrayal of the disastrous trek taken by the Martin Handcart Co. I'm sorry for Ms Dallas that she has had experiences which have led her to such a jaded view. How sad to have lived among Latter-day Saints for years and to have totally missed the depth of their character and their testimony.
I, for one, will not read additional novels by Ms Dallas. This will also be my recommendation to my current reading group as well as others I am affiliated with.
If you're looking for a 'hate Mormons' novel, read True Sisters. Look elsewhere if you want an accurate portrayal of the disastrous trek taken by the Martin Handcart Co. I'm sorry for Ms Dallas that she has had experiences which have led her to such a jaded view. How sad to have lived among Latter-day Saints for years and to have totally missed the depth of their character and their testimony.
I, for one, will not read additional novels by Ms Dallas. This will also be my recommendation to my current reading group as well as others I am affiliated with.
March 29, 2012
If you love a historical novel that expresses the true spirit of the pioneer woman, with an underlying theme of unconditional faith, you will love this novel. Hardships are faced with often emotional results, so expect to be moved by these women's stories as they travel thirteen hundred miles by foot with their families to their Promised Land.I've read many historical novels over the years, but I have never experienced one so well suited to the American pioneer woman's struggles. This book concentrates heavily on two sisters and several women who travel with them, as well as their family and friends. Epic, heart wrenching, hopeful and often overwhelming, I was moved over and over by these strong women who represent in fiction what is based on a real-life journey.
Most of us can't imagine traveling across mountains and rivers in a covered wagon pulled by oxen, let alone walking with just a handcart to carry all your belongings. TRUE SISTERS illustrates the brave Mormon (Latter-day Saints) converts, who, promised a better life in a new land, traveled by ship from Europe to America, then train, and finally had just handcarts to push or pull their belongings thirteen hundred miles to Salt Lake City, Utah in the 1850's. Most of the converts couldn't afford a wagon and oxen, so, at less than twenty dollars and loaned to them by their church, the handcarts were a more economical way to get to their destination.
Since supply stations were planned along their journey, Ella and Nannie, plus Ella's husband, Andrew, weren't concerned that the handcarts were much smaller than a wagon. The three of them would share the pushing and pulling. Not wanting to be parted from her pregnant sister, Nannie comes to America with Ella and Andrew, hoping to forget her past hopes in a brand new future. Much to Nannie's embarrassment, her ex-fiancé and his new wife show up on the same journey. Nannie had thought she'd be Levi's only wife, and now she's wondering if he may want her as his second wife. Polygamy is accepted in their faith now, so it's a possibility that every woman on this journey must consider. Luckily for Ella, her husband Andrew promised that she would always be his only wife.
Anne Sully's husband, John, sells their gentlemen clothing store in London without her knowledge so they can make the pilgrimage to Salt Lake City. He assumes she'll come with him willingly to start a new life because he believes so strongly in the opportunity. Anne is furious and doesn't want to go. John became a Mormon without her knowledge, and now he threatens to take their children with him to America without her. What choice does she have? Can Anne travel as the only Gentile amongst the Saints without befriending these people who converted her husband against her will? Can she go back to England if she's unhappy?
Louisa is married to Thales Tanner, leader of one hundred of the Saints traveling together. Louisa's parents, plus her sister and two sons, join them in their faith and on this trek. Louisa is thrilled to be the wife of such an important man of God. But, it also means that her hardship will be more difficult in the coming days, because she will be left to tend to her family by herself, while her husband helps others in their group. She is strong and respects her husband, so she accepts her part without complaint.
Jessie Cooper and her two brothers were baptized into the Mormon faith by Thales Tanner. Thales had originally been interested in Jessie as a wife but she had no plans to marry yet, being too interested in working a farm alongside her brothers. Luckily, her best friend, Louisa, welcomed Thales' affection. Jessie and her brothers dream of a new farm in the rich untouched earth of Utah.
This is just a glimpse of the characters you will become attached to in TRUE SISTERS. Their joys and hardships jump off the page into your heart while you travel with them. All these women's paths cross one another, their hopes and dreams shared, as well as their many doubts, fears and sorrows.
Since Romance Junkies is a "romance" review site and that's where the book was obtained for review, I need to warn that this novel won't satisfy all the expectations of traditional romance readers. It can be described as a historical woman's fiction with some romance elements. Sandra Dallas tells her characters' stories with realism, sometimes in all its gory details. Although there is often great sadness in this novel, it is not a story without hope, and I highly recommend it to those who love the grit of American pioneer women. It is not always a happy story. Instead, it's an amazing passage that's a tribute to the Mormons' deeply rooted faith.
Inspirational beyond words, sometimes horrifyingly heartbreaking, TRUE SISTERS is a powerful novel sure to affect your emotions. It demonstrates the human spirit when faced with overwhelming odds against them. It's a harsh reality but even when they doubt, these friends' love for one another holds strong and pushes them forward.
For a book that will stay with you long after the last page is turned, TRUE SISTERS should grace every historical lover's shelf. Sandra Dallas has a gift for spinning a tale of epic proportions and making the reader feel as if they're inside the story. Breathtaking, tragic, rousing and love-inspired, TRUE SISTERS is an emotional saga of hope betrayed and renewed.
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
November 4, 2020
Another great book by Sandra Dallas. This is a story of Mormon pioneers traveling from England to New York, then NY to Iowa by train. The rest of the way to Utah (Zion) was by walking and pushing handcarts for months. It is similar to the Donner Party on the Oregon trail yet this journey had more people and more deaths along the way. The women were the heroes in this story and their connections with each other held them together. A great story!
June 9, 2012
The story of the Martin Handcart Company is one that deserves to be told time and time again. In this historical fiction novel written by Sandra Dallas, she portrays well the level of suffering and sacrifice these early Latter-Day Saints endured to follow the prophet's counsel and relocate to Utah. However, as I closed the cover on the book, I really felt like something was missing from her story. And I think I've nailed it down: to me the ugliness of the hardships these people faced is rectified in a small manner by the many miracles they witnessed. Although the survival rates of those who lived to reach the valley is in itself a miracle, the historical accounts of many other miraculous experiences make the trials seem a little easier to acknowledge. God did not forsake these people.
I realize that as these Saints reached the Salt Lake Valley, they didn't receive the "happy ending" they probably envisioned at the start of their journey. Most suffered lifelong effects, both emotional and physical, from all they witnessed and endured on their trek. But making the focus at the end of this book on polygamy seemed out of place and irrelevant to the heroism displayed by the handcart pioneers. I am proud of them and feel like their story, including both the intense suffering and the glorious miracles, is a vibrant and priceless part of my religious and ancestral heritage.
I realize that as these Saints reached the Salt Lake Valley, they didn't receive the "happy ending" they probably envisioned at the start of their journey. Most suffered lifelong effects, both emotional and physical, from all they witnessed and endured on their trek. But making the focus at the end of this book on polygamy seemed out of place and irrelevant to the heroism displayed by the handcart pioneers. I am proud of them and feel like their story, including both the intense suffering and the glorious miracles, is a vibrant and priceless part of my religious and ancestral heritage.
May 14, 2012
This historical fiction novel is set in 1856 when Mormon converts from Scotland and England risk their lives to walk 1,300-miles from Iowa City to Zion, the promised land of Salt Lake City pushing handcarts with few supplies, little food, and in a horrible snowstorm, even fording dangerous ice cold rivers. They try to keep their faith and their spirits up but very few survive. This book focuses on four very different women who make this journey.
The book discloses that promises were made that weren’t kept and some bad decisions by church leaders as well put the handcart pioneers in harm’s way. These four incredible women characters made it and changed and grew and leaned a lot about themselves and their faith along the way. I believe the four female characters are fictional but they are fleshed out, very real, and inspirational. It seemed to me there was more narrative than dialogue and I wish that was balanced a bit more. However, the book is well researched and it is an interesting part of American history. The book pulled me in as I had to keep reading to find out what happened to the characters next. It’s an interesting story and I highly recommend, True Sisters.
The book discloses that promises were made that weren’t kept and some bad decisions by church leaders as well put the handcart pioneers in harm’s way. These four incredible women characters made it and changed and grew and leaned a lot about themselves and their faith along the way. I believe the four female characters are fictional but they are fleshed out, very real, and inspirational. It seemed to me there was more narrative than dialogue and I wish that was balanced a bit more. However, the book is well researched and it is an interesting part of American history. The book pulled me in as I had to keep reading to find out what happened to the characters next. It’s an interesting story and I highly recommend, True Sisters.
August 21, 2012
Sandra Dallas is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I was surprised and a little nervous to see that she had a new book based on the Martin Handcart company. I had never read a book about this historical event that wasn't written by a Mormon. I was impressed that most of her information was historically correct. I have to say that I did not like the way she made the leaders and the men in general to be only interested in taking a polygamous wife. Polygamy was a part of life for the early Mormon pioneers, however I do not believe the intent was to rack up as many wives as possible. There were many woman who had no husband, was widowed and had no way to support herself. Men would take women and care for them and their children. Polygamy is NO LONGER part of the Mormon religion despite what many believe. Overall, I enjoyed the 4 women that Dallas followed on this trek across the U.S. She shows the strength and courage that these women had. All lost someone in their families and many mothers buried their children. Overall, Sandra Dallas gave a good account of what these women suffered and endured.
May 17, 2012
I could only make it 40 pages into the book before I couldn't take anymore, though I really wanted to quit after 5 pages. It had such a negative overtone and the characters were not believable at all. All of the men in the book had major character flaws and none of the women did. If someone wanted to learn more about the Martin and Willie Handcart companies, I would definitely recommend Gerald Lund's book Fire of the Covenant, which was a FABULOUS book.
June 5, 2012
I have read several previous Sandra Dallas books and have enjoyed them. I am very familiar with the history of the handcart pioneers. I've read several journal accounts. I was hoping this would be faith inspiring, like the journals I have read. It was not. It whined about polygamy. It whined about the leadership of the church. Many accounts talk of the priviledge to get to know God in their trials. I found none of that in this fictional account. Too bad. I feel the author did a disservice to the faithful saints who endured these hardships.
May 21, 2012
I have always enjoyed and respected the books that have been written by Sandra Dallas. "True Sisters" is the exception.
I would give this book 3 "D's": Disgusting, Disappointing Degrading.
I would give this book 3 "D's": Disgusting, Disappointing Degrading.
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May 16, 2020What a bill of goods these people were sold! It is infuriating in a way, but it also leaves you thinking that maybe they got what they deserved? But, not quite.
This is the story of people who emigrated from Europe--England and Ireland mostly--to Utah to join the Mormon church. They were told by the young, earnest, attractive men who came to convert them of a path that would be smooth, paved with the goodness and generosity of the church and by Brigham Young and while I do not want to give too much away, let me just say that it was outright awful. They were lied to, strung along, robbed, and conned.... and then badly treated by the people at the end of their journey.
If you have read nothing of this history before, you might find it enlightening. I have read a couple of books about it and mostly find the part of the story about the very old men (the 'elders' who had certain rights in the community) selecting the youngest women (say, around fifteen) as their brides. Yuck!!! And, then, there was the plurality of marriage where the men were expected to take multiple wives. That could really have never worked....
So, the book might make you angry but it is informative and interesting. And pretty well written. Honestly, I loved her book: The Persian Pickle Club, but this one mostly just made me mad at both the gullibility and the dishonesty. And the perverted old geezers.
Maybe I should have calmed down before sharing this? Eh!
This is the story of people who emigrated from Europe--England and Ireland mostly--to Utah to join the Mormon church. They were told by the young, earnest, attractive men who came to convert them of a path that would be smooth, paved with the goodness and generosity of the church and by Brigham Young and while I do not want to give too much away, let me just say that it was outright awful. They were lied to, strung along, robbed, and conned.... and then badly treated by the people at the end of their journey.
If you have read nothing of this history before, you might find it enlightening. I have read a couple of books about it and mostly find the part of the story about the very old men (the 'elders' who had certain rights in the community) selecting the youngest women (say, around fifteen) as their brides. Yuck!!! And, then, there was the plurality of marriage where the men were expected to take multiple wives. That could really have never worked....
So, the book might make you angry but it is informative and interesting. And pretty well written. Honestly, I loved her book: The Persian Pickle Club, but this one mostly just made me mad at both the gullibility and the dishonesty. And the perverted old geezers.
Maybe I should have calmed down before sharing this? Eh!
April 10, 2025
3 1/2 *’s
May 30, 2021
I was looking for a book and came across this one at a local thrift shop. I hadn't any experience with the author to be honest and wasn't super excited about it.
I was surprisingly captivated almost immediately with the historical fiction story of Mormons who came from the UK to America in 1850's and headed out in handmade carts for Utah, 1300 miles and four months ahead of them. Several of the women were not even all that keen on coming but had been persuaded by missionaries or husbands.
The story tells of their struggles along the way, from burning heat to blinding blizzards in the mountains, of frozen limbs, hunger, sadness, exhaustion, injuries and deaths that occurred along the way.
This was a time when polygamy was an accepted and even expected practice amongst Mormons. This was a extraordinarily difficult time to be a Mormon woman, and this tale describes how female companionship was an essential part of their journey, how they wrapped each other in the warmth of each other's support and comradery in order to survive this heartbreakingly arduous journey.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by this author.
I was surprisingly captivated almost immediately with the historical fiction story of Mormons who came from the UK to America in 1850's and headed out in handmade carts for Utah, 1300 miles and four months ahead of them. Several of the women were not even all that keen on coming but had been persuaded by missionaries or husbands.
The story tells of their struggles along the way, from burning heat to blinding blizzards in the mountains, of frozen limbs, hunger, sadness, exhaustion, injuries and deaths that occurred along the way.
This was a time when polygamy was an accepted and even expected practice amongst Mormons. This was a extraordinarily difficult time to be a Mormon woman, and this tale describes how female companionship was an essential part of their journey, how they wrapped each other in the warmth of each other's support and comradery in order to survive this heartbreakingly arduous journey.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by this author.
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