Customer Reviews

The Small Window: The Story of Hardluck's Beginnings

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every time I finish reading a good book, I experience a sad feeling of finding a new book that will top my last. The Small Window was recommended to me by a friend. He mentioned it was historical fiction that took place during the Gold Rush. At first I thought this would be a great book for my father to read, but as I finished reading page 57, it clicked in my head. I was one of those readers who brought the book everywhere. Sometimes I forgot to bring my purse when I left the house, however, I never forgot to bring The Small Window. I found time to read in the most unlikely places, such as grocery store checkout lines, pumping a full tank of gas, and shopping with shopaholic friends.

The Small Window has enough drama to satisfy your every need. The structure of the story and introductions of new characters are seamless. The many settings of the story are given great detail and explanation. At the end of the book you will feel complete. I could see this book becoming a movie.

I read this book at its first printing because I live in "the Gold Country" and I had experienced a "Hard Luck Lin" appearance at my local library. I was really impressed by the accuracy of the events (wagon trains over the Sierras etc.) but I felt a real emotional tug from the characters. Ms. Clark did a wonderful job of creating a truly believable character AND she kept Hard Luck Lin in her true historic, physical and cultural surroundings.
The book goes far beyond that however. The title is only a small glimpse at at the drama involved in the time period; it goes far beyond the gold rush and into the depths of our own relationships with our loved ones and the events that shape our lives.
Please read this book if you are at all interested in a historically accurate book about the gold rush AND you want to read a truly compelling, relevant book about our own day-to-day lives.
Cudos to Ms. Clark!

I agree with the other reviewers in that Ms Clark's book is spellbinding and it was hard for me to put it down as well. I too live in the Mother Lode and that was part of the fascination. I will look forward to any sequel. However, there were some oddities that were puzzling. Some of the editing was spotty. I wondered why. Almost as if the editor used spell-check and didn't edit for meaning, or for context. Wrong words, homonyms, missing words in a sentence. Easy enough to fill in yourself, but... There were some Spanish phrases that were off as well. They were literal translations, not accurate translations: Example: "Usted es bienvenido"? for "You're welcome" instead of "De nada"... As I said puzzling. This stuff is easy enough to look up. And the text was a bit wordy, all this very distracting from the story for me. That said, the book was well worth the read and I look forward to reading more of "Hardluck Lin's" story.

Not since reading the The Zion Chronicles: Books 1-5 (Bodie Thoene), has a book touched me so deeply. Reading about Hardluck's adventures, tragedies and calamities in and around places I am familiar with, such as: Sutter's Fort, Mokelumne Hill, and Angel's Camp was a real thrill. Lauren really comes alive in The Small Window: The Story of Hardluck's Beginnings.

I laughed, I cried, I found myself praying for this family. I read The Small Window in 3-days, it was difficult for me to put it down -- even now -- months after finishing this book, Lauren remains with me, speaking to me from a time and place I can not go.

I can't wait for the sequel to this story to learn more about this amazing woman. Rich in Gold Rush history, the book introduces unique vocabulary, common to that era, which really adds to the books educational value.

I highly recommend The Small Window. Certainly, anyone, who enjoys historical novels will find this book is a must read. The author has captured the time period as few others have done for me. Even though I am an avid history buff, I found myself learning new words and phrases, which were common during the Gold Rush era. I found myself grateful for the glossary.

I agree with M. Horel this book would make a terrific movie and I would watch it 100's of times. Lauren is an extraordinary young woman who exhibited great courage and strength of character during a time when her world was turned upside and others were depending on her. She not only meets the challenges she faces but some how manages to come out on top.

~Annette

I had the privilege of seeing Linda Tiegland Clark in person as she dramatized the story of Hardluck and her escapades while my husband and I were visiting in Shaver Lake, CA in October. I bought her book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I found it difficult to put down. I also found out that she was my children's English teacher in the 1970's and was one of their favorite teachers. She is an amazing author and brings to life the Gold Rush era. Hopefully, she will author more books about this era of American history.
Annette Pidcock
San Jose, CA


Part History, part suspense and mystery; part human interests, love and romance. A great book Linda. When is the sequel due for release?

Charles Pidcock
San Jose, CA

Thank you, Linda Clark, for bringing to life Hardluck Lin's story in your first wonderful book "The Small Window". I found it amazing how you captured the very essence of this woman, her fortitude and courage to bring herself and her siblings to the Promise Land and survive despite the many struggles and hardships she suffered. Your description of her passage through the Carson Pass and the pass itself was so descriptive that you felt like you were riding right along side of her, experiencing it all with her. Your book was not only educational and thought provoking, it was also a good read you couldn't wait to get back to! I'll look forward to reading more of Hardluck Lin's life and adventures.

I loved Linda's book! I felt like I was on the wagon train dealing with the day to day hardships. The determination of Hardluck was inspiring and the dedication to her family was a selfless act of love... giving up her dreams to do what she had to do to provide a home for her brother and sister. I've been through those Small windows, I was encouraged to take off my load and let somebody help me through to see what lies ahead.

I found this book to be very well written and keeps your interest through the whole book. The adversities that these people went through you cannot imagine. I understand that Linda goes to schools, nursing homes etc to act out Hardluck, she makes history interesting.

Ms. Clark has demonstrated that she has what it takes with her first published book, "The Small Window". Ms. Clark did a wonderful job of weaving the history of 1850's life in California during the Gold Rush. She also did a superb job developing the characters and creating a superb story line.
Great job Ms. Clark!

Ms. Clark has brought to life a significant period of California history with wonderful characters and an engaging story. Her attention to detail paints a vivid picture for the reader and pulls you back in time. A thoroughly enjoyable read!