Jubilee Trail

By: Gwen Bristow

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 22 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Charting the trail across the Great Plains from New York City to the Mexican Territory of California, a headstrong couple embarks on a new life in this classic work of historical fiction as unforgiving, moving, and unpredictable as the frontier.

A recent finishing school graduate, 18-year-old Garnet Cameron is desperate for direction. Too driven for the restrictive manners of the upper class, Garnet is naturally drawn to Oliver Hale, a frontier trader from the West. Unlike the men to whom she's accustomed, Oliver treats Garnet as an equal and respects her independence. His tales of adventure on the plains thrill her. And his proposal of marriage is accepted. Garnet eagerly grabs hold of the promise and prospects of an exciting future, only to discover how ill-prepared she is for the punishing landscape of the Jubilee Trail and the even harsher realities of human nature.

Made into a feature film, Jubilee Trail is a classic novel of a woman in the old West, beloved not only for the rebelliousness and resilience of its heroine, but for its authenticity, its grand sweep, its unsparing intimacy, and its honest portrayal of the survivors and victims - and victors and villains - of a defiant American wilderness.

©1978 Gwen Bristow (P)2018 Tantor

Favorite Author

I have actually read this book at least 50 times. No exaggeration! My grandfather gave me a copy of this book when I was in high school! I was enthralled with it and didn’t want it to end so I started it over when I got to the end! And I repeatedly did this! I was so excited when I found it on Audible I had to listen to it! It was even better than I remembered! I recommend this book to anyone one!

Easy listen

Read this book many years ago. Love all of Gwen Bristows books. Her research on the times makes for an educational treat along with the story.

Great details of the time. It creates a movie in my head.

This book is timeless in allowing our minds to reach back to a time of more intrigue and adventure.

Wow

A wonderful story with diverse characters nestled in the rich history of the time. I was sad when it ended.

Charming, entrancing

Full of interesting characters and narrator really brings them to life.
I will never get tired of reading and re-reading Gwen Bristow’s books!

A Testament to America’s Pioneering Women

The story was about brave, non-conforming women who against all odds remained independent from the confines of marriage and society. The performance by the reader was excellent.

Rediscovery.

Gwen Bristow finished her last historical story many years ago. I read one of her books soon after its 1970 publication. I have remembered it since then. Now that I enjoy audible more than reading, I have rediscovered this author. I found this book pleasing and well developed. The characters were individuals, not cookie cutter people. There were a few fun twists, and much Karma. The authors voice was pleasant and she distinguished between characters well.

Hidden Gem! LOVED IT!

Do you get those emails from Audible about "hidden gems" in the Escape Package?? This book needs to be on the list.

This story combined with exceptional narration makes for an amazing audio experience. The pacing is perfect. Bristow expertly combines an ever advancing plot with ever deepening insights into her characters. While we follow along on the characters'
journeys, we also start to understand their backgrounds and motivations. These characters are so well written, so fully developed, that they became fully formed people in my imagination. Although there are quite a few lives to follow, the writing is so skillful that keeping up with all of them is never difficult.

Because this was originally published in 1950, the portrayal of indigenous populations does not mesh with current standards. However, what surprised me about this book is the author's subtle feminist slant. Bristow clearly appreciates strong women, but she also makes it clear that different women have different strengths. She is not anti-male, but she does not support weak men or men who use women for their own agendas. The characters in this book grow, mature, develop and evolve, and it is a joy to be along for the ride. The history of the trail and the history of California were also very interesting. Historical details are plentiful but never bog down the story.

Gabra Zackman's narration was excellent. Her tone is pleasing; her cadence is faultless. Each character is clearly delineated. Many women narrators struggle with men's voices, but not so here.

The only complaint I have is that there is not a sequel. I really want to find out what happened to the Brute. However, there are other Gwen Bristow books on Audible, and I am off to spend my credits on them.

The reading was not very good

this is one of my favorite stories Johns voice wasn't good. He was too graspy

One of the Best

As I revisited this book fifty years after I read it the first time, it is one of the best historical novels I have ever read. It is a buried gem of literature. I have shared it several times with students in my high school English class. They, as well, loved it. The audio version was a version I will listen to again.