Wheeler, Sara

Wheeler clearly enjoys her subject and interjects herself and her own challenges of middle age into the narrative, which readers may find distracting. This work is best for those new to the subject of these women, most of whom have been covered extensively before, or who enjoy reading about U.S. westward expansion and travel or Anglo- American 19th-century women's studies. [See Prepub Alert, 2/25/13.]

This collection spans human exploration over many years and around the world, and is as much about writing as about travel, fortitude, and desperation. The author accomplishes what she praises other brilliant travel writers for achieving: holding up a mirror that reflects back the world. Highly recommended for lovers of travel writing and smart literary essays.

An eloquent, important book. Recommended for all readers. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/10.]