Review: "The Memory Weaver" by Jane Kirkpatrick

This is a fictional story about the Spalding family, missionaries in the Oregon Territory during the 1850’s. It centers on Eliza Spalding and her life after the Whitman Massacre in 1847 where she was taken hostage. As with Eliza, most of the hostages lives were shaped for good or bad by what happened and also by their individual memories of what happened. It gives a glimpse into their lives and of the hardships they endured.

Although I enjoyed this story, it took me a considerable amount of the book to start enjoying. It is written in Eliza’s voice and at times the story appeared stilted and lacked emotion although when we were permitted glimpses into her mother’s diary, the writing did not seem this way. I did love how Eliza relied heavily on her faith to get her through and the scriptural references. Also, when Eliza realized that her memories may be tainted, it resonated with me because I find it amazing, even in my own family, what one person remembers is so different from another’s memories.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life of the pioneers in the 1850’s and the hardships they went through. Also, the power of memories and how they shaped the characters’ lives is poignant and touching.