The Train to Estelline (Lucinda Richards Trilogy) [Paperback]

Jane Roberts Wood (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Written in 1993, 1990, and 1987, respectively, these novels are known as the Lucy Richards trilogy in honor of their central character. Spanning the years from 1911 to 1931, the story follows Lucy's life as a young school teacher in west Texas through marriage, childbirth, and the Great Depression. Through all the hardships, her indomitable spirit wins out. Good stories with a strong woman in the lead.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

JANE ROBERTS WOOD received the Texas Institute of Letters award in 1998 for the Best Short Story, received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study at Yale, as well as a NEA Fellowship. A member of TIL and PEN, she lives with her husband, Dub, in Dallas, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 209 pages
• Publisher: University of North Texas Press; 3 edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574410784
• ISBN-13: 978-1574410785
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Desolate but Beckoning, Promising Hope, May 3, 2000

By 

Mamalinde "mamalinde" (Dallas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Train to Estelline (Paperback)

Open the cover of this book and slip into the early part of the past century. A lively 18 year old has adventures no one could quite imagine when she leaves behind her sheltered existence to teach school out in the dust, wind, and sun parched plains of West Texas. For every step taken forward, Lucinda Eliza Richards becomes aware of the detours the must take to get there. Nature and humanity are ruthless and capricious and the plethora of obstacles and hardship is occasionally overwhelming. A very frank and fair look into these lives and times. Well written and honest.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and relaxing, April 3, 2000

By 

Melanie M. Amodeo - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Train to Estelline (Lucinda Richards Trilogy) (Paperback)

This first book in the trilogy is the only one written in "letters home" form. I found Lucy's character to be real and believable. I could actually picture West Texas in the early 1900's. If you're looking for an action-packed suspense novel, this isn't the book for you. If, however, your goal is simply to spend a Sunday afternoon with a friend, grab this book and a glass of iced tea.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The voice of Lucinda Richards rings true, February 16, 2001

By 

Mary G. Longorio "Texasbookgirl" (Eagle Mountain, UT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Train to Estelline (Lucinda Richards Trilogy) (Paperback)

Lucinda Richards has accepted the job of teaching in Estelline, Texas though not even 18 years old. She leaves all that is familiar and comfortable and begins a new life in West Texas. The story is conveyed in letters to loved ones back home and diary entries. It details the life of a young woman in 1911, facing the changes that come both in her life, and to the lives of the people she comes to care for and love. It is the details that ring true, the differences in stations in society, the hardships faced by families, and the expectations on a young , single woman. I think this would be a great book for a mother-daughter bookclub to read.