Our group's final selection for 2018 was "ASTORIA: Astor and Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire", by Peter Stark (2015). As the author states on the cover, it is a "tale of ambition and survival on the Early American Frontier". We, the readers, agreed it offered elements of an extreme adventure story, thus tweaking our interest during a multi layered historical account.
Pertinent background information:
About 1808 and close towards the end of Thomas Jefferson's presidency, he and John Jacob Astor, a successful German-American businessman, enacted their ambitions to establish a thriving port settlement, Astoria, at the mouth of the Columbia River and the entrance to the Pacific Ocean (the area later to become known as the state of Oregon). Jefferson and Astor believed this location would further America's interests in western land exploration while expanding our international trade pursuits for fur and other luxury items. Astoria's location could also impede Russia's land grabbing endeavors.
The story's essence:
The author describes treacherous accounts of two groups dispatched with the ultimate goal to reach the western site: one going by sea - around the southern tip of South America, and one going by land - through the middle of the continent and the Rocky Mountains. Stark's narrative captures the human aspects of these horrendous undertakings, as well as providing supportive information of this period of American History - the natural world and exploration achievements and outcomes. Mercifully, historical photos, maps, a cast of characters, reference sources, and an essential epilogue are included in the book. Several of us expressed dismay that, while we are familiar with Lewis and Clark's expeditions, we did not know much of this significant episode in our country's history. To our knowledge, the only other account of this time and event in American history is the 1936 story of Astoria, written by Washington Irving.
Author's writing style:
As in other book discussions, we commented on the author's writing style. Stark is an accomplished journalist. For a couple of readers, the approach was helpful, due to the amount of content in this particular story. Other readers found this approach unnecessary, perhaps even a distraction.
In summary, we were pleased to read such a dynamic and action-filled story, allowing for lively discussion, comments, and sharing.
This longtime monthly book group is now ready for new and exciting reads in 2019!
Written by Linda Hamilton
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