This book follows the lives of real-life people who were the movers and shakers in early Oregon. They built may of the roads and bridges along the Columbia, opening up much of Oregon to development. They made a fortune but also were extremely generous to the people of lesser wealth. They had no children but adopted and took care of many.
They were also great friends to the natives and did much to protect their rights. The saddest part was her relationship with her mother and the custody of Ella. It made me glad that she made herself a home full of love, rather than live forever how she was raised.
I always wonder about the novelization of real people- it's so personal and perhaps inaccurate. But this was a great read and I felt so interested in Oregon history.