Rating: 
Summary: Desperately seeking an editor!
Review: This novel is based on the true story of Mary Ingles, a white settler in Virginia in 1755. When her settlement was attacked by Indians, a pregnant Ingles, along with her two children, her sister-in-law, and a male settler, was kidnapped, and taken far from home. She was ultimately able to escape from captivity, though to do so she had to abandon her children. This describes her journey along the Ohio River, accompanied by another, half-mad woman captive.
The plot was an interesting one, though I do think the book could have used some substantial editing. I realize that it was based on a true story, but it did seem that once the protagonist escaped and set out on her journey it became very repetitive, with similar types of incidents and reactions recurring, so that it became a bit predictable.
I did like very much that the author didn't end the book with her character's return, but jumped ahead in years to tell us what happened to the people later on. Since we know the book is based on a true story, we're naturally curious, and it's good to be told in the context of the novel.
Rating: 
Summary: An amazing read
Review: This book was a detailed book that brought clear emotions of awe, pity, horror, and rage. The author does a great job of making the characters and the surroundings seem real-I felt like I was alongside Mary starving, cold, and fearful during her escape. It brought realizations and knowledge about the famous Mary Ingles and how vile, inhuman, and savage people can be to each other. I loved the setting and the story....yet, I am truly grateful for living in this time period. The author does a terrific job of getting the reader deeply involved in the life of Mary Ingles during the mid 1700's. I am still in complete wonder at how patient, determined, and strong-willed Mary was. This book was a great read!
Also recommended: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty, Seabiscuit, The Bastard by John Jakes, The Count of Monte Cristo, Comanche of the Seventh, Castaway of the Flying Dutchman
Rating:
Summary: OH, I COULDN'T DO THAT
Review: I loved this book! I love any story that is about pioneer life and this one takes the cake. One thing I really appreciated was the way the author let you experience all the awful things this woman endured, but there was still a positive thread throughout. For example, when he tells of the Indian Massacre in the beginning of the story, he describes in detail all the horrible things they did to the settlers and I felt myself "in" the story, yet I was not traumatized. Usually if I read of humans being tortured or murdered at the hands of other humans, I am haunted for days with a sick feeling in my stomach. But somehow James Alexander Thom was able to keep my hope in humanity in tact. He told of how Mary (the main character) witnessed her sister-in-law being badly injured and tortured by the braves but then 2 minutes later when they held a knife to Mary's throat, she could hear her sister-in-law praying for her --praying for God to spare her life-- and she was moved at her sister-in-law's love for her. That love carried her through that horrible experience. I thought that was such an uplifting thing to share in a story that would normally be discouraging.
He portrayed Mary talking to herself in a positive way to encourage herself to keep travelling toward home no matter how tired and hungry she was. I think reading about her actually caused me to grow in my own life. She was so strong and I want to be more like that.
Rating:
Summary: How much can the human body withstand?
Review: This is the fictionalized account of the capture and escape of the real Mary Ingles. Mary is 23-years-old when Shawnee Indians attack her home on the western edge of the frontier in Virginia in 1755 and kidnap her. She is taken to an Indian village hundreds of miles west but remarkably, Mary has the presence of mind to count the days and commit landmarks to memory. After several months of captivity, she escapes. Driven by the desire to see her husband and others of her own folk again Mary overcomes numerous obstacles as she travels for 6 weeks in late autumn using the river as her guide home. The first 150 pages are about the attack, the journey west and captivity. The author uses these events to paint a portrait of Mary that enables the reader to believe Mary had the courage and will (that few possess) necessary to survive the incredible, disgusting, despairing, and ultimately awe-inspiring 600-mile trek home. I couldn't put the book down. Even when the starving Mary resorts to eating bugs and the leavings of buzzards I was compelled to read in spite of my revulsion. A stick, a knife, a blanket and food are no longer everyday items to be taken for granted; they are the tools of survival. A warning to the squeamish - Even though the author has plainly depicted events without over describing, there are some gross passages (childbirth, beatings, being burned alive, hunger which leads them to eat anything and causes vomiting and diarrhea). I had a little trouble believing that the human body could withstand such abuse. It didn't seem possible that the body could continue to exert so much energy at that level of starvation. But the author brings the realities of Mary's incredible journey to life and it is based on a true story. Red Heart is another Thom novel I recently read. Also recommended, but I like this one better.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing Journey!
Review: Very engrossing story of a young, pregnant woman making her way from Kentucky back to the Virginia settlement she was kidnapped from in 1755. Travelling an estimated 1000 miles, she managed to do so without serious injury to herself. Along her journey she had to make some very hard decisions. As I read the book, I was aware that it is written from a man's view writing as a woman. I kept thinking that this story would be even better written by a woman with her point of view. I did find myself rushing a little to finish the book in order to find out what happens to her and her family. Don't read the end until you've read the whole book! Over all well worth the money and time to read.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I have lent this book to so many people that it is literally falling apart. Make sure you have time before you start because you will not be able to put it down. It is gripping.
Rating:
Summary: Heartfelt, wonderful book...
Review: Captivating and well written, this book was extremely hard to put down once I picked it up. Centering on young wife and mother Mary Ingles, this book follows the story of her capture by the Indians, and subsequent trials as she attempts to find her way home. To give away more than that would be a terrible slight to this wonderful book; it's one you just gotta read. The author describes everything perfectly; with enough in depth language to really give a feel for what's going on, even the horrifying stuff; but not enough to really gross me out. The accents were a bit overdone, I thought; while they did add some authenticity that wouldn't have been there otherwise, it was awhile before I could puzzle out what anyone was saying. This book deals with some disturbing subject matter, such as infant murder and child abandonment, among others, so I can't say I'd recommend it to anyone younger than 15 or 16.
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