Those Coming Back

Those Coming Back is a fictional tale of four generations of a nineteenth century American family. In 1869, Walter and Fannie Monroe travel by train from Ohio to the family farm in Iowa with their six children. The story is primarily voiced by the eldest daughter, Catherine, via the letters and journal entries that track her personal successes and profound misfortunes. Her deep relationships with parents, four grandparents, and two very special friends form the heart of the narrative. On the heels of The Golden Spike’s linkage of far-flung parts of America, Catherine, her family, and friends embark upon journeys that reflect the emerging mobility of its people. When Catherine marries, she and her husband travel by train from Iowa to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity in Oregon. Their dream of a farming partnership unexpectedly falls apart in 1884, and the two trek back to Iowa with their young daughter in a covered wagon, documenting their travels and adventures along the Oregon Trail. The personal story of their trip is informed by a unique handwritten journal from real life family artifacts that detail a similar adventure. The author has meticulously respected the authenticity, simplicity, and essence of the original journal entries, making adjustments and additions only as needed to align with the fictional narrative. Read more