Grand Ambition: A Novel

by Lisa Michaels

"An absorbing, affecting and beautifully written novel."― New York Times Book Review In Lisa Michaels's enthralling debut novel, she weaves the tale of two young newlyweds, Glen and Bessie Hyde, who set out in 1928 to run the rapids of the Grand Canyon. The pair hoped to set a record: Bessie would be the first woman to negotiate that treacherous stretch of the Colorado River. When they failed to appear at their destination on time, Glen's father mounted a desperate search to find them. Based on the few known facts of a true story, Grand Ambition contemplates our need for risk and danger, and treats with great complexity the power of youthful passion. Reading Group Guide included.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adult Fiction, Adventure, Adult, Novels

Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagined last days of a real life water rafting couple, husband and wife, the build up to the terror is well-done.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel based on a real young, married couple who wanted to go down the entire grand canyon before the damn was built--and she was the first woman to ever attempt to go through this. There are two main POVs--one is the man's dad and the other is the couple's (sometimes each of them, so in a sense you could say 3 POVs). The writing is quite good--I liked the one for the couple's better, but I wish I had done a bit more checking on the real couple first. That said, if you are looking for a fictional adventure novel set in the 1920s and like the great outdoors, this could be a good one for you. We do see some of the couple's backstory--most of this is fiction since there were few records left, but the main things are fact.

[Steven Howes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly the page-turner I expected it to be; but an interesting read nonetheless. This historical novel is based on the true story of Glen and Bessie Hyde, a newly-wed couple who attempted to traverse the Green and Colorado Rivers through the Grand Canyon during the fall and winter of 1928. Those who are familiar with the story know they disappeared and their bodies were never found although their homemade sweep scow was found intact along with their supplies. As typical with events not easily explained, many theories evolved over the years regarding their fate. One such theory involved Bessie killing her abusive husband, hiking out of the canyon, and living incognito into old age.

Because most of their journey was accomplished by themselves in rather inaccessible country and the fact that they encountered few individuals along the way, very little is known about the actual events of the trip itself. Because of the paucity of information, the author had to research available information about the lives of Glen and Bessie leading up to the trip and use it to predict how she thought they may have behaved in light of the challenges they faced during the River trip. I found this information somewhat tedious at times but found it useful later in the book. I found the ending proposed by the author to be a bit ironic. All in all, an interesting character study of a tragic event that took place in an extremely beautiful but unforgiving location.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon?

We visited it several years ago. It’s just so … huge, and yes …. grand. All formed by water rushing through over years and years. WAY down, at the bottom of the canyon, is a river. The Colorado River doesn’t look like much from up on the rim, but it is quite tempestuous in spots. Over the years, people have tried to make a journey along the Colorado. Apparently, it’s not exactly a lazy river.

Back in 1928, Glen and Bessie Hyde were just married. As a honeymoon, they decided to travel down the Green and Colorado rivers on a boat Glen built. Bessie would be the first woman to complete this journey, if they were successful.

However, about six weeks later the couple disappeared. Their boat was recovered; their bodies never were.

Lisa Michaels has written a novel fictionalizing the Hydes’ trip. She takes us through how Glen and Bessie met, how they decided to make the journey down the rivers, and how the trip went — even how they met their end. Of course, most all of this is speculation. I enjoyed this book, although as I read, several times I thought how hard it would be to write such a book — putting words into real peoples’ mouths after those people had died. She ever describes Bessie having an abortion earlier in her life. Yikes — I feel for Bessie if that was not really true! I really felt for Bessie. River travel was new to her, and the whole venture was much more Glen’s idea than hers.

The book was well-written. Some snippets I liked:

“It’s the nature of youth to spit in the face of hazard. They don’t know how life’s capable of handling them, and there’s power in that.”
“What a thankless job, motherhood. All that effort, and if it’s done well, if you don’t call attention to your labor, it becomes not unlike the best mending — invisible.”
Bessie’s thoughts: “If only she knew what lay ahead. She felt as if she were dangling over a cliff unsure if she’d lose her grip or be pulled up to safety. That state in between was almost unbearable. To suffer or to be glad — they each had their clarities. Not like this strange limbo, in which she was unsure of the proper attitude toward her future — hope or foreboding — and to choose the wrong one seemed like being mocked by the fates. But it was silly, really, this impulse for closure. Childish. That was the whole point of being alive — seeing how it turned out.”

Recommended.

[Bonnie White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I disagree with the character Lisa Michaels paints for Bessie Hyde, the story she tells is interesting. I feel Bessie would be more adventurous and less concerned with fine things. She had to have had quite a bit of grit! Lisa Michaels obviously did a lot of research on the era and opened it up to us to experience as if there then. It also gives us a chance to experience the river in a wooden scow, something few will ever do. The book is a fun and quick read.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing amount of research by the daughter of hippies (“Split: a counterculture childhood”) produced the amazing story of Glen and Bessie Hyde, honeymooners who floated down the Grand Canyon in 1928. It’s an adventure story and a love story. It excels as both in the hands of Lisa Michaels.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the first things that struck me about this book was the massive changes that have taken place in our society since 1928. When it comes to adventuring we have instant communication, sophisticated transport, space age clothing and tools and things such as GPS and locator beacons for when things go awry. How different things were in 1928...how raw and real things become when death is so close.

I appreciated the authors ability to describe time and relationships. I especially liked her description of when Bessie saw a star go out in the night sky (p.100), her description of motherhood (p.96) and her description of the cementing of love through surprise (p.92.)

As a whole I liked the book but felt a strange impatience with Bessie and Glen. I also have difficulty in reading recreations of events where the author is guessing at what may have happened. Something in me finds the exercise irrelevant and I only want to know what "realy" happened. Did Lisa Michaels travel down the rivers too? Are her observations of the walls, water and landmarks accurate or made up? How much was fact and how much fiction? I found these things gnawing at me as I read...but thats just me and my foibles :p

[Pamela Ciccolini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enthralled with the Grand Canyon after a recent visit I have searched for all kinds of information about this Great Natural wonder and discovered this historical fiction which I thoroughly enjoyed! I felt as if I was there on the Colorado River traversing the rapids with them. I couldn't imagine the courage, strength and trust this couple must have had in each other to begin such an undertaking. Told as in the view point of the couple themselves, Glen and Bessie Hyde who leave on their honeymoon adventure to run the river, contrasted with Reith Hyde, the Father of Glen who sets out to find them once they never show up for the anticipated end of the journey. The author took all the facts that were known about this couple and pieced a beautiful love story that was also a wild adventure! Epic and tragic... Great read!! Glad I discovered it.

[Gail Kittleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes us deep into the heart of the untamed Grand Canyon, and also into the turmoil of youth. The heroine, young Bessie, has a risk-taking nature we both applaud and mourn. Like the writer of Ecclesiastes, this author reveals the joys and dire consequences of "seizing the day." But through it all, she stays true to what remains of the historical record.

[Lori Borg]

I really enjoyed this book. The author wove character development, adventure and suspense within a great story. I recommend it!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In November of 1928, newlyweds Glen and Bessie Hyde began their grand adventure rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. In their homemade 'scow' they fought the rapids, the weather, the cold temperatures but were singularly minded to accomplish their ambitious task. Arriving in Needles, California, at the end of their journey would make Bessie the first woman to run the rapids through the canyon. At that time in America the press was ravenous to have stories of 'firsts'. Lindbergh was the current hero and anything that smacked of novelty was big news; that was exactly what Glen and Bessie were hoping to achieve; notoriety. When the couple were over a week late arriving at their destination, Glen's father Reith Hyde launched a search for the pair which included rafters, hikers and even airplanes.

Although it is a given that the couple disappeared somewhere along the route, author Michaels has given Glen and Bessie a worthy story. Bessie, a West Virginia native, was much more worldly than the Idaho rancher Glen but their love story rings true. Reith is a determined and dedicated father who wants nothing more than to find his son and wife alive. I enjoyed this touching story.

[Miechelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in a charity shop and had fairly low expectations. What a surprise. Based on the true story of a young couple attempting to run the entirety of the Grand Canyon on a home-made boat, it effectively uses flashbacks to round out the characters. Really well written, with attention to detail and suspense.

[Angie Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure with No End

This book is beautifully written with memorable passages. The character structure leads the reader to befriend Bessie and Glen. The description of the rapids, canyon and camps paint the picture Bessie didn't.

[Merry Rassman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised. This was a good read. Good history. Good perspective on women’s issues in the 1920’s. Adventure, romance, builds tension to the conclusion. The story is created around the true story of Glen and Bessie Hyde’s adventure running the rapids in the Grand Canyon.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating slice of historical fiction, especially if you have experience or an interest in river expeditions.

[DeniseK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Kindle version needs a bit of editing for punctuation.

[Alyson Mutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Based on a true story. 1928, honeymooners who raft down the rivers in the grand canyon.

[Toni Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story took a bit to get into, as it was pretty slow moving to start with. However is a beautifully told story of the life of two people and the adventure they had.

[Beth Oehler]

I was interested in this historical account but this novel version kinda confused me. DNF

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read! Borrowed from a friend, who hasn't even yet read it herself. I told her she needs too!

Based on a true story with a few known facts of two young newlywed's attempt to run the rapids of the Grand Canyon on their honeymoon in 1928. Bessie Hyde was to be the first woman to ever attempt the expedition.

The author does a wonderful job of adding and filling in so effortlessly with believable accounts to the rest of what wasn't written in Bessie's journal, and from her research of their expedition.

I liked how the author intertwined Glenn and Bessie's life stories of, before they met, how they met, to their adventure. One chapter would be the Hyde's story, the other would be Glenn's father, Reith Hyde in search of his son and daughter-in-law.

I felt Bessie was a strong woman, especially given it was only 1928. I liked her come back when the reporter asked her the condensing question, "Any trouble keeping house on the boat?" Her reply, "Glenn is very good at ironing, and when I"m not chopping wood, I sometimes give him a hand." Good for her!!! I feel I would had liked her because she didn't just settle for what was to be the typical woman's life back then, marriage and children. She divorced her first husband when she knew it was a big mistake, lived in different places and then decided to follow her second husband on his dream.

I wish there were more photographs added to the book, so I went online and looked further into the story, to read more about it and view pictures.

I would fully recommend this book.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 1928, a young couple sets off on a wooden boat down the Green and Colorado River, in an effort to set a record - Bessie would be the first woman to run that stretch of river at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Esp for the times, Bessie had an action packed life in her short twenty odd years. She eloped w/ her high school sweetheart. She left him to enroll in art school in San Francisco. He sent her money for an "operation" (why would this be part of public record? Did Earl tell the press? Was it in one of Bessie's letters?). She moved to Nevada to get a divorce. She married Glen the first day it was legally possible. Several months later, she and Glen started down the Green River. All of these facts indicate that Bessie was a woman who was actively forging a life for herself outside the scope of the average woman of her time.

I am not at ease w/ fictionalized accounts about real people. This isn't a biography; almost nothing is known about this couple. They were so young as to have made very little mark upon the world - this trip was meant to be their mark. To fictionalize motivations, feelings seems a rewriting of a history we were not meant to know. When tragedy befalls someone, those outside have imaginations filled with what might have happened. Michaels' book is her version. More interesting than this fictionalized account is the fact that so much speculation still exists about what happened to this couple; they are the stuff of campfire legends. Other men and women have claimed to be Glenn or Bessie; I'm not sure that this was the fame they were seeking.

[Roseofpat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of fiction written about the actual historical true events surrounding Bessie and Glen Hyde's 1928 attempt at running the rapids of the Grand Canyon as their honeymoon trip. They set out to set records for the first women to make the run of the rapids and even at a record speed as well. The story is interwoven with the search for the two by Glen's father Reith Hyde, the search by a military airplane, searchers on foot and two in a boat running the river as well. It has a couple of pictures of the two together and it served to add to the realistic feel that Lisa Michae'ls achived in the writing of their story. The historical fact is that one month after their departure, they disappeared and were never seen again. It is heart wrenching to read of the fathers desperate search and the depth of his dispare when he finally returns home. This is truly one of the most amazing book I have read and my heart continues to hurt for their loss. The fictional characters are so well written and mixed with the true accounts that exist, making it seem so real, as if the author herself was there with them on the river. Incredible, absolutely incredible read.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I read this book, I had never heard of Glen and Bessie Hyde. Now, I feel as though they were my very good friends whose mysterious departure from this life leaves me deeply saddened.

Although the book "Grand Ambition" is a work of fiction, it is built upon the actual adventure of these two young people who undertook an incredible journey - to travel the Colorado River in a home-made boat, i.e. a scow. They never finished the journey alive, although all their possessions were later discovered in the scow by Glen's father.

What happened to Glen and Bessie? Only God knows. The author, Lisa Michaels, writes of them drowning, but who knows? Some think they tried to hike out of the Grand Canyon, got lost and died. But if that were so, why did they leave their gun in the scow?

This intriguing story will leave you, as it did me, wondering what really became of them while, at the same time, you hope that somehow they just simply decided to run off and start a new life together in an unknown part of the world.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictional account of a real couple's honeymoon adventure down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in the late 1920s. Their names were Glen & Bessie Hyde. I Googled their names and discovered that the author, Lisa Michaels, was quite accurate in her story with the facts that are out there. It would be very easy to give away too much information here and spoil the book for other readers, so I won't. I'll just say that I couldn't put the book down...I really wanted to know what happened to this couple. My only complaint is with the editor of this particular edition of the book...too many typos....ugh!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book some time ago, but it has stuck with me for several years. This is a fictionalized account of the real life couple, Glen and Bessie Hyde, who on their honeymoon in 1928, began a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. I don't want to give the story away, but Bessie was the first woman to attempt this trip. I found this book mesmerizing, with the rich detail about the roaring rapids, the twists and turns of the river, the canyon walls, and the nightly campfires beside the river.

[Isis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the interweaving of stories, of Bessie and Glen's journey, of Bessie's past, and Reith's attempt to find them. I like that Michaels has taken the bare bones of history and made a novel out of them. But her style is too languid, too literary, maybe, for my liking. The descriptions are lovely, but they feel more like pastel paintings on a wall rather than the visceral Colorado River. The characters likewise seem like people in a book, not people whose blood pounds and whose breath catches in their throats as a huge wave threatens to swamp their boat.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author took a real-life unsolved mystery and ran with it. The descriptions of the canyon and shooting the rapids were just great. I also liked the two photos included. The one at the beginning, as they were just about to launch their scow showed them as somewhat cocky, adventurous. The last photo, taken by the last person to see them alive, is quite telling, especially the look on Bessie's face.

[Cheryl]

Read this book for book club and loved it. Sad because you know the ending. At this point well likely never know what happened to them. I remember this story from the old Unsolved Mysteries show. This book is a fictionalized account of their story.
"Glen and Bessie Hyde were newlyweds who disappeared while attempting to run the rapids of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon, Arizona in 1928. Had they succeeded, Bessie would have been the first documented woman in history to do so."

[Melissa Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mysterious adventure story about a couple who rafted the Grand Canyon in the 20s for their honeymoon in an attempt to set a record. I enjoyed how the book went back and forth between the couples' viewpoint and Glen's father's as he searched for them. Well written and engaging. I only wish we knew what happened!

[Charles M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the real life adventure of Gus and Bessie Hyde, who sought to become the frirst couple to travel down the Coloardo River through the Grand Canyon during 1928. The Hyde's boat was recovered near the end of the river, but the couple's whereabouts were never found. fast paced and edge of your seat story; makes for great reading!