Devil's Club: A Botanist's Journey Across the American Frontier follows Rachael Williams, a bold and tenacious young woman in 19th-century America who defies society's constraints to pursue a life of scientific discovery. Denied entry to New Geneva College and suffocated by social expectations, Rachael refuses to accept the quiet future laid out for her. With only her father's memory and her love of plants to guide her, she sets out alone on the treacherous Oregon Trail, determined to find the elusive Devil's Club, a plant rumored to possess powerful, ancient medicinal properties.
But the Oregon Trail is more than a physical journey; it is a crucible. Every mile tests her endurance, challenges her beliefs, and forces her to confront not just the dangers of the land but also the grief and doubt she carries within. The wild terrain is both breathtaking and brutal, filled with unpredictable perils and fleeting moments of wonder.
Along the way, Rachael navigates the hostility of strangers, the complexity of newfound relationships, and the ever-present question of whether ambition and independence are worth the cost. As the miles stretch on, the lines between strength and vulnerability blur, and survival becomes a delicate balance of courage, trust, and resilience.
In Devil's Club, the raw beauty of the frontier conceals deeper truths, and every step forward brings Rachael closer to a discovery that could change not only her future but how she sees herself. Will she find the plant and fulfill her father's legacy? Or will the trail claim more than she can bear to lose?
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ISBN-13
978-1-968619-20-6 (9781968619206)
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Trudie Behr Scott is an author and passionate botanist, living in a small coastal town in California near a National Seashore. She resides in a historic Schoolhouse with her husband, two dogs, and a variety of wild birds that she lovingly feeds and tames. Her writing studio, nestled in an old carriage house, offers a peaceful setting where she crafts her stories, often inspired by her deep connection to nature and the environment around her.Trudie's journey as a writer began unexpectedly. While attending law school, she was the only female in her class and went on to earn the Outstanding Student Award. It was this unique experience that inspired her to write Devil's Club: A Botanist's Journey Across the American Frontier, her debut novel. The story follows Rachael, a woman determined to pursue her passion for botany despite the societal pressures of her time.A significant part of Trudie's creative process was her firsthand experience of the Oregon Trail, where she and her family drove the route during a spring break. This immersive journey helped Trudy capture the essence of the trail for her novel, despite her struggles with limited mobility at the time.Outside of writing, Trudie has spent years deepening her understanding of nature, particularly through tracking and connecting with wildlife. During a period of personal hardship, her time spent with animals, including a fox and two jays, provided solace and became a source of inspiration for her creative projects.With Devil's Club, Trudie brings readers into a world where nature, adventure, and self-discovery intertwine, reflecting her own personal experiences with the natural world and her resilience through challenging times.
