New Struggles at Every Turn Across the Oregon Trail - an Editorial Review of "The Reluctant Pioneer"

Book Blurb:

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, she balks.

But in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward. Fresh graves testify to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream.

With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive?

When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

This pioneer woman’s journey is inspired by a true story.

* 2025 Finalist for the Western Writers of America Best Historical Novel Spur Award

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/yMXCC

Author Bio:

www.chaptersoflife.com

As an editor at The Daily News in Longview, Washington, Julie McDonald Zander recalled a brainstorming session to come up with names for a new soft feature about people. Jaded journalists viewed her as a naïve optimist when she offered the trite but true title: “Everyone’s special.” Although it fell flat as a feature title, her offering is a deeply held belief.

After earning a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from the University of Washington, she worked a decade as a newspaper reporter and nine years as a newspaper editor. Then, in 1999, she started my personal history business, Chapters of Life, which has published more than 50 individual, family, business, community, and organizational histories.

She likes to encourage others and share what she's learned along life's journey. She served four years as Northwest regional co-coordinator for the Association of Personal Historians, organized the 2006 APH conference in Portland, and edited newsletters for the Oregon Christian Writers and Women Entrepreneur Organization of Washington. She co-chaired the OCW Cascade Writing Contest, designed the OCW summer conference notebook, and organized the Southwest Washington Writers Conference for four years. And, to keep her hand in journalism, she has penned a column once a week for The Chronicle in Centralia, Washington, since May 2007.

She and her husband, Larry, have two grown children. They live in the Northwest.

Editorial Review:

Editorial Review: “The Reluctant Pioneer”

Author: Julie McDonald Zander

“The reporter adjusted his suit jacket as he settled into a stuffed chair across from the diminutive and elderly pioneer. “Mrs. Jackson, may I ask how long you have lived here on the prairie?” The woman, her white hair tucked beneath a faded crimson floral bonnet, shifted in her rocker a moment before replying. “It’s been forty-six years since I arrived.” He nodded. “And may I ask, how old are you?” Matilda Jackson pursed her lips. “Eighty-four, I suppose.” “I imagine you’ve seen a lot of changes on the prairie during your lifetime, haven’t you?” the reporter asked as he jotted notes onto paper. “I reckon I have.” Matilda rubbed her hands over the worn black Bible in her lap.”

Johnny is three. Almost. And, he informs his parents, he can walk and run. Clearly, he is all set for the Oregon Trail, all two thousand miles of it. His mother, Matilda Koontz, is more cautious, and with good reason. By contrast, adventure has gripped Johnny’s father Nicholas; he wants land for his sons. “The Reluctant Pioneer” by Julie McDonald Zander is “inspired” by the story of real life husband and wife Nicholas and Matilda Koontz, and their children, and their 1847 traverse of the Oregon Trail. The novel is written primarily from Matilda’s third-person viewpoint; she is inherently strong, but also rightly concerned about the implications of leaving her family and the dangers of the journey. She is being interviewed by a journalist, and his questions are slightly naïve. The story draws the reader in immediately as it becomes about Matilda and Nicholas, and their life on the Trail with fellow travellers.

Tissues will be required; a trigger warning may also be appropriate, but this is historical fiction, and all those who read of the era will be versed in the likely pitfalls that the family will face. But still, that does not make such a powerful story any easier to read. Oh, for a safe trip for such a lovely family and adorable children! There are perspectives on faith, which the reader may or may not agree with, but are likely accurate for the times. Readers may quietly reflect on the decision-making processes of the 1840s, both within Matilda’s marriage and also on the Trail, where dissension arises over travelling on a Sunday and a myriad of other matters.

“The men left to herd the animals while the women returned to their wagons to cook breakfast. The bishop held a Sunday morning service—a Roman Catholic Mass. Matilda took her boys but stood near the back to focus on God and the Sabbath rather than the priests. Early the next morning, celebratory gunshots rang out as everyone gathered for a morning feast of buffalo to recognize the nation’s emancipation from British rule. As a man played the clarinet, voices rose in patriotic songs, including “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Columbia the Gem of the Ocean.” Captain Magone read the Declaration of Independence and spoke about the great United States of America. “We’re doing our part against the British,” one man shouted. “We’ll claim Oregon Territory for America. That’s our Manifest Destiny!” “Hurrah!” Everyone cheered. A few toasted with flasks; others with coffee.”

The scenes of Matilda packing up her life in Missouri will also tug at the reader’s heartstrings, as she leaves her mother and memories behind, in a time before Zoom and Whatsapp. The contrasting monotony and then changes of the Trail is authentic and well-portrayed, and Zander’s extensive research is apparent. While Matilda and Nicholas are a love match, Matilda has a realistic level of agency within the marriage and in her individual life, which is reflected in her character arc and that of her husband. Their children are more than cookie-cutter; they each have distinct personalities and react in different ways to events and challenges.

“Was the crossing difficult with such a large group?” “Other than the mud?” Jackson chuckled. “We had a wet spring. Bolts of lightning threatened to stampede the cattle every time it stormed.” He shook his head. “Two solid months of rain. Only eight dry days.” “We enjoyed better weather on our journey.” “Most everyone probably did. We couldn’t imagine so much rain. Folks started wondering if it was worth it, but turning back meant more of the same. At least the west offered a new climate.” He turned toward her. “Tell me about your journey—I mean, that is, if it’s not too painful.”

“The Reluctant Pioneer” by Julie McDonald Zander is an absorbing, emotional read with compelling characters and some true heart-in-the-mouth moments for the reader. This depiction of the Koontz Family is highly memorable, and their journey across the Oregon Trail is authentic with numerous subplots and historical detail. Any readers with pioneer heritage may be moved to do a bit of family history research to see how their own ancestors faced such challenges. Definitely a novel with much to reflect on – what price is too high for the chance of a better life?

*****

“The Reluctant Pioneer” by Julie McDonald Zander receives 5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company

Award:

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