Down the Long Hills: In Progress (No Spoilers)

[Adelaide]

This topic is for those who wish to discuss the book in progress. No spoilers please.

[Cheryl]

My book came in last week from interlibrary loan. I thought I'd just read the first couple of chapters and leave the book for this week. I ended up finishing it because I couldn't put it down.

I'm surprised how much I liked this book. Usually I don't read many westerns. This one was a bit different in that it focused more on the survival of the two children. It wasn't all told from their viewpoint, either, which I probably wouldn't have liked as much. The pace started a little slow, but once the boy's father started looking for him, it picked up. After the half-way mark it really was hard to put the book down.

[Cheryl]

What did you think of the children, Hardy and Betty Sue? Some reviews I read on Goodreads said they were not realistically portrayed, because Hardy knew too much for his age.

I think that children back then had to grow up very quickly and help out on farms and ranches just like an adult. It is shown in the book how much his father taught him and what all they had to do to survive. I had worked with a woman who grew up on a farm, and even today children are raised knowing how to do alot to help with the farm.

[Sarah]

Having a five year old, I can tell you that we often underestimate what kids can accomplish given half the chance. Even when very young. I found this completely believable and very compelling. This guy is a true story-teller!