The Daughter's Walk

A Novel

By: Jane Kirkpatrick

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

A mother's tragedy, a daughter's desire and the 7000 mile journey that changed their lives.

In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington, to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn $10,000. Bringing along her 19-year-old daughter Clara, the two made their way on the 3500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks and motivated by the money they needed to save the family farm.

After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone by leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than 20-year separation from the only life she had known. Historical fiction writer Jane Kirkpatrick picks up where the fact of the Estbys’ walk leaves off to explore Clara's continued journey. What motivated Clara to take such a risk in an era when many women struggled with the issues of rights and independence? And what personal revelations brought Clara to the end of her lonely road? The Daughter's Walk weaves personal history and fiction together to invite listeners to consider their own journeys and family separations, to help determine what exile and forgiveness are truly about.

“Kirkpatrick has done impeccable homework, and what she recreates and what she imagines are wonderfully seamless. Readers see the times, the motives, the relationships that produce a chain of decisions and actions, all rendered with understatement. Kirkpatrick is a master at using fiction to illuminate history’s truths. This beautiful and compelling work of historical fiction deserves the widest possible audience.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

©2011 Jane Kirkpatrick (P)2011 Random House

Very moving story about 2 brave women

I enjoyed learning about Clara and Helga Estby and struggles, dreams and accomplishments in an age when women were starting to stand up for their rights.

Unexpected

One of her best. Examinination of intense personalities who deal with life as it is. Not always happy endings but putting them in the past instead of in the 'wheelbarrow.' Learning to persevere. Excellent.

Surprisingly a gem

Recommended to me by a friend, but I wasn’t sure how much this book would draw me in. This is not my typical type of story, but I found it very endearing and even my daughter joined me. This narrator did a fantastic job with the accents, making it even more enjoyable.

Incredible Story

Where does The Daughter's Walk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my all-time favorites

What did you like best about this story?

Story was incredible and so believable, even the fabricated fill-ins were believable

Which scene was your favorite?

Living in Coulee City.

Who was the most memorable character of The Daughter's Walk and why?

Daughter, of course

Wonderful historic story that should be known!

The story of these women is amazing and interesting. The book is well written and moves along at a great pace. Narrator read the story with proper emotion and portrayed various character accents very well, but a little slow for my taste (I had to increase play speed).

Excellent!

Love Jane Kirkpatrick books! This is another great one. I love the mother-daughter dynamic, and the voice was well done.

Interesting

Any additional comments?

Not sure how I feel about this book. Well narrated. Interesting story but moves very slowly. Definitely not a happy book.

Wonderfully told story of true experience

Another of the "I have read this, but don't remember the details" books in my library. I listen as I drive, no need to change station, etc. Story too compelling to miss any. What an experience for characters, and insight into life at that time, especially immigrants who brought the "old ways" with them. I highly recommend this book for those who like a good story, yet learn new things at the same time.

My imagination is captured

The reader was talented and provided lovely accents.
The story so sad, but so is real life. The sprinkling of hope and Kirkpatrick’s vulnerable characters keep the story vivid and engaging. She is quickly becoming a favorite! This is the second of her books I have listened to and I am hungry for more.