ReviewsREVIEW for Rogue Writers Ink I began reading The Visionaries by Bernice Curler with the intention of observing Bernice's writing style. Somewhere within the first page or two, I forgot about Bernice! Instead, I was caught up in the Dudley family, their colorful array of sidekicks, and their trek on the Oregon Trail. When did I forget Bernice and begin feeling the bouncing of the wagons, the ruthless wind, the hardship & resentment of the women torn from their homes at the mercy of their husband's dreams? When did I forget Bernice and began smelling the sage, the sweat of the beasts pulling the wagons, the nooning meals, and the campfires? Obviously well researched, Bernice weaves in her facts with finesse. There were details in this book I have never seen before. Fascinating! Her cast of characters are drawn with a fair pen. Lovable, yet as in true life, they battle their weaknesses and insecurities. Her "villain" was a man full of surprises and a man I just loved despising. I never knew what to expect from him! This is one of those books that made orphans out of my family. "Dinner is every man for himself tonight." "Again?!" This is also one of those books I hated seeing end. Bernice, get back to that word processor! I want a sequel!! Your characters were so wonderful. I need to know what happened to them all! Karen Mihaljevich. ******************************************************* READERS REACTIONS Bernice, you have a great book here. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, and getting mad as hops at Eli Morgan. You put such feeling in your writing that it touches the soul. A truly unforgettable story." Marti Arnold, author of Haunting Rose. ******************************************************* Congratulations! A book you can really, truly be proud of! 'The Visionaries' is a perfect title for such a good story. You've woven a rich fabric of faith and family togetherness. I'm looking forward to more. . . Marian Place, author of 45 books and winner of four Gold Spur Awards, a Mark Twain Award and others. ******************************************************* The Visionaries is a very enjoyable read. Your use of language (including 'bad' words) and your exploration of motivation made me really care about all of the characters, even mean old Eli. Your use of the historical setting and events somehow gave an immediacy, even an urgency, to the story line. Your use of historical colloquialisms and details of everyday life brought the image of these people's struggle alive. Aside from all of these things, it is a hell of an engaging story. In short, very short, it is a 'good book.' Congratulations." Sharon Heisel, a teacher and author of several books, the last one PRECIOUS GOLD, PRECIOUS JADE, a Wrangler Award winner. ******************************************************* Dear Mrs. Curler: I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed your book, The Visionaries. It was obvious that you had thoroughly researched the time, places and people. How amazing to be able to read about these pioneers and feel what they must have felt as they struggled westward. As a woman, I was stopped cold to imagine what it must have been like to be a woman in that time when women had absolutely no power. The decision to travel this great distance through unsettled country for months was a life or death decision made by someone else. Your characters were so real and their feelings so truly portrayed that I felt I knew them personally. I understand you are writing a book that continues the journey. I will be anxious to read it. Keep up the good work! And thank you, from an appreciative reader. Janet Hasz, Medford, Oregon ****************************************************** The Visionaries is an epic journey of the pioneer men and women who made this country prosper. Whenever I drive over Donner Pass in the Sierra, I feel the anguish, determination and the love for family that drove these stalwart souls onward to their destinations. Curler's characters are hauntingly real. Their joys and sorrow jump from the pages into the reader's heart. I'm eager to hold a published copy of Glory Road, the sequel to The Visionaries. Great work, Bernice. We need historians like you. Norma Lehr, Auburn, CA, Children's Author ****************************************************** Dear Bernice: I have just finished your book. I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not put it down all week and was truly imposed upon when I had to cook dinner, work, etc! Ha! Bernice, you really showed the hardship. Your details of sound, smells, etc. were so good I felt I was there. I really cared about the characters. I want a series!!! I want to know what happened with Anton, Torrey & Steve, etc etc.!! This is one of those books I hated to see end. Thanks for a fantastic read! Karen Mihaljevich, writer and reader. ****************************************************** I read "The Visionaries" non-stop. Couldn't put it down! Your detail! Your tremendous detail -- all the sights and sounds and smells of the day-by-day travel. The storm and fording the Platte and all the details of winching the wagons were wonderful. Your details of character development -- Medora, Torrey, Jake, and William--were great, especially the ambivalence Torrey felt when Jake started pawing her. The whole picture shows what I've often thought, that they were crazy to travel so crudely across the plains and the women must have been full of despair at times. Well, I just loved it! You didn't make the story slick. The deaths, of Elspeth and also of Dusty Dog, were just awfully real. Oh, I admire you. Diane Davidson, Author of Historical Novel, FEVERSHAM, publisher of SWAN BOOKS, SHAKESPEARE SIMPLIFIED. ****************************************************** The Visionaries--Great!! Your characters were expertly drawn and the plot situations kept me turning the pages (which is exactly what you wanted!) I loved Torrey and I suspect that she will figure large in the sequel. I know you did meticulous research--but created fictional characters to put into bona fide historical events, a great blend of fact/ Lou Foley, juvenile writer of many books. ******************************************************* Just wanted to write and tell you how very much I enjoyed the book. My husband kept asking if I was finished yet, and I told him I was reading slowly so I could travel a little bit each day with the Dudleys, et al. It was a very good story, and I can't wait for the sequel. I have loved to write since childhood, but never attempted any fiction. I had a newspaper column for three years and presently do articles for the church magazine and write the newsletter for Presbyterian Women. I admire those who can conceive and develop stories, and you certainly do that well! I can't wait to read more. Linda Davis in Florida. ****************************************************** I'm reading "The Visionaries" now and thoroughly enjoying it. The story sweeps me along and all the research adds a solid basis to the story. I'm finding it fascinating. The sex scenes are so tastefully done so well, the reader just lives it with Medora. Really an excellent joy-read on the whole book. Flo Owen, Fair Oaks, Calif. ****************************************************** I have just read "The Visionaries" by Bernice Curler. A wagon train begins its long journey from the Midwest to the West Coast in the middle of the 1840's. On this long and treacherous trail you will meet the characters who must deal with changing environments, the heat, the cold, mountains and desert, as well as their own personal conflicts. Especially noteworthy is Mrs. Curler's insight of the woman's plight on this journey, and indeed that century. This is a very readable and exciting book, certainly worth your time. Patricia A. Gray, Central Point, Oregon ******************************************************* Count me among those who are anxiously awaiting to read the sequel to "The Visionaries". You just can't leave us with our new friends just newly arrived and beginning their new lives. What a story! Such interesting people. The history. The geography, and especially the characterizations. Really great! I've already started re-reading it. Bobbie Johnsen, Chicago City, MN. ******************************************************* (Diane's Davidson edited GLORY ROAD before I sent it to the publisher. Her remarks in the editing.) Besides many "excellents" "Good" "Great" "I loved it" "Wow" at certain paragraphs, "Your plotting is great with Felipe and also the sickness." "Very moving! This is the best account of the Donner tragedy I've ever read." "Absolutely great!" "Wow, what description!" When she returned my corrected manuscript, she wrote, "What a story! The reason I'm returning it so soon is that I couldn't put it down. You have great plotting and also marvelous mental arguments inside the characters' heads! This book is so feminist, yet not out of the period. You have extraordinary feel for people and their problems, besides the era. I love the way Lavinia and her Indian love are accepted. Sounds right. Good luck with this, Bernice." |
|||
|
