Heather’s Bookshelf: Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
Author: Gail Ward Olmsted
Released: 06/13/24
Genre: Biographical/Women’s Fiction
“‘You asked me which one I was,” she reminded me, nearly breathless. “I think that I’m the lively one. Just like you.” She gave my hand a quick pat and dashed after her friends.
Lively? Yes, you are indeed, I thought as I cut into my meatloaf with renewed gusto. Don’t get bogged down by the minutiae, my dear girl. And while you’re at it, reach for the stars.’
“Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip” follows Katharine Prescott Wormeley in 1907 as she sets off on a drive from Newport, Rhode Island to Jackson, New Hampshire.
Katharine’s single at the age of 77, happy with her life, her decisions, and excited about her pending trip. But her friends and family are concerned about her driving such a long way on her own and each has a different way of trying to show their support. Unfortunately, her idea of support does not exactly always line up with theirs.
First, there’s an unexpected and business-forward marriage proposal, a high-society party, and then she saves a man’s life. In between there are countless interesting and sometimes troubled people who enter Katharine’s life. Conversations and adventures with those around her also allow Katharine to reflect on the achievements and contributions she made along the way and throughout her life.
Trigger Warning: reference to wartime injuries
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The story is told through Katharine’s eyes and often focuses on thoughts in her head not outwardly expressed. This approach gives a lot of insight into the protagonist but also comes off as a little more telling about what happens than showing what happens at times. However, the rhythm of this story flows so naturally that it truly feels as if you are following the adventures of Katharine on her trip to see her sister. I almost felt as though Katharine was sitting in front of me and telling me her story. And she’s a lovely lady to follow! Her optimism, confidence, charity, and drive all jump off the page. She has her insecurities and doubts about choices she’s made along the way, but ultimately she is happy with who she is and the life that’s unfolded in front of her. The pacing of the tale is even and pushed forward by each stop along the way. The ancillary characters are mostly in the story for a brief period of time, but the author does well in giving each a distinctive voice and purpose. I especially enjoyed the portion of the story that included Stephen. The exchanges between Katharine and Stephen felt truly authentic, sweet, and lovely. The ending of the tale wrapped up the road trip and also felt like the end of a chapter for Katharine. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and could see a possibility of a prequel or two.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A road trip with a lovely and heroic protagonist who reveals her past experiences while exploring her present adventures.
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