These is My Words
The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901
📘 About This Book
Sarah Agnes Prine begins her diary in 1881 when her father decides to move the whole family - and their horse ranch - from Arizona Territory to Texas, where life will be easier. Sarah, at seventeen, is a tomboy though she longs to be educated, gracious and beautiful like other women. But when the family sets out on the wagon trail and disasters strike in rapid succession, Sarah turns out to be the only thing that keeps them from certain death. Sarah stays brave, strong and determined through everything that befalls her. But she longs to be loved, like any other woman, and she is to meet her destiny in Captain Jack Elliot.
📖 Summary
These is My Words by Nancy Turner is a compelling historical fiction novel presented through the diary entries of its remarkable protagonist, Sarah Agnes Prine. Spanning the late nineteenth century beginning in 1881, the narrative chronicles Sarah's life as she transitions from a seventeen-year-old tomboy into a resilient woman facing the raw, unforgiving realities of the American frontier. The journey begins when Sarah's father decides to uproot the family and their horse ranch from the Arizona Territory to Texas, anticipating an easier life. However, this hopeful relocation quickly spirals into a harrowing ordeal as the family embarks on the treacherous wagon trail, where disasters strike in rapid succession. Amidst the chaos and mounting tragedies, Sarah discovers an inner strength and resourcefulness that proves to be the singular force keeping her family from certain death. Throughout the diary entries across the 448 pages of the book, readers witness Sarah's complex internal world. Despite her fierce bravery and unwavering determination in the face of relentless hardship, she remains profoundly human, harboring deep desires to be educated, gracious, and beautiful like the societal ideals of other women of her era. More than anything, she longs to be loved. Her path through the rugged and unpredictable landscape ultimately leads her toward her destiny, which takes a transformative turn when she meets the intriguing Captain Jack Elliot. Turner's novel paints a vivid and authentic portrait of survival, growth, and the pursuit of romance and self-improvement against the backdrop of a brutal and sweeping historical landscape.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and authentic diary-style narrative format
Strong, memorable, and deeply human female protagonist
Vivid depiction of the challenges of the American frontier
Powerful themes of resilience, survival, and romance
⚠️ Cons
Depicts continuous disasters and hardships that may feel intense
Pacing reflects the slow, deliberate nature of historical journal entries
❓ FAQ
Who is the main character of These is My Words? +
The main character is Sarah Agnes Prine, who begins writing her diary at age seventeen.
When does the story take place? +
The story begins in the year 1881 on the American frontier.
What prompts the family's journey? +
Sarah's father decides to move the family and their horse ranch from Arizona to Texas for an easier life.
How is the book structured? +
The novel is presented in the format of a personal diary written by Sarah Agnes Prine.
Who does Sarah meet on her journey? +
Sarah eventually meets her destiny when she crosses paths with Captain Jack Elliot.
