Book Review: These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine

Star Rating 5/5

These is my Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine

By Nancy E. Turner

Raised on a horse ranch with her three brothers in the rough Arizona Territories, Sarah Agnes Prine knows how to work. She learned to shoot a rifle before she could manage to hold it on her own, and she can break a horse that’s never been ridden. She may have calloused hands, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. When her family sets out to Texas, Sarah starts to keep a diary. Her story is full of the hardships, excitement, and horror of frontier living as they are raided by Indians, struggle through bad weather conditions and unknown terrain, are threatened by bandits and murderers, and suffer through sickness and sudden loss. As she weathers all the challenges and heartache that come her way, Sarah grows into a remarkable woman.

These is my Words tells the story of the growth and development of a young frontier woman. The diary format allows the reader to establish an intimate relationship with Sarah. Through each entry, the reader can enjoy attempting to understand the mind and heart of this complicated and realistic heroine. Sarah is well-written and bound to captivate, frustrate, and charm readers. Full of spunk and fire, she desires to be a genteel lady but can not seem to manage it. She struggles as she questions the nature of love; her role in her home and in business; and her own abilities, aspirations, and character. Sarah proves to be a strong role model as she pushes herself to be independent and self-sufficient while still loving and lifting those around her. She kept me reading and will stay with me even now that the book is over.