Wilderness of the Heart

by Jason Bergeron

Orphaned at the age of 9 in Stockholm, Sweden, Jacob is taken by an ill-tempered uncle on a merchant ship bound for London. He survives a shipwreck en route that leaves him homeless and, once again, abandoned. This time on the streets of a Dickensian London. Unable to speak English, he struggles, often stealing to survive.In desperation, he lies about his age to sign up with the Hudson’s Bay Fur Company as an indentured laborer. Certainly, no place for a 12-year-old boy with limited skills in a brutal physical world where death is often.Wilderness of the Heart is based on the astonishing true story of Jacob Fahlstrom who finds himself alone in the vast, untamed wilderness of North America. A place splintered by Indian conflict and warring fur companies. Danger exists in all directions. Caught in this volatile world he must learn and adapt quickly if he is to survive. But impulsiveness finds him deep in the woods, lost and gravely injured. He is rescued by Ojibwe hunters who take this bizarre oddity back to the tribe. They have never seen blond hair and blue eyes, believing him to be something supernatural. Something to fear. Cruelty and beatings ensue until Thunder Bear, a respected warrior, reluctantly steps in to help.Wilderness of the Heart is the journey of a boy, not only fighting to survive but learning to become a man who can take care of himself, for he is truly alone in this place where death lurks in the shadow of towering pines.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2023

Reviews

[Sandra K. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason, you are a truly gifted writer!

I loved this book! It was a very interesting story and there were so many awesome characters. I wanted to read more. It helped that this book was based in Minnesota, where I have lived for most of my life. I am looking forward to more books authored by this writer. Jason's father-in-law law was married to my sister for many years until his death, and I have known Gerald for many years.

[Vicki McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Reading

It took me a while to get into this book. Glad I kept at it. Turned out to be a very good read. I very much like wilderness and survival books. This one offers bpth. Learned a lot about the history of fur trading.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

A real look at history in an amazing story! Sad at times, but still leaves you with hope in your heart and a bit of gratitude for all those who gave so much to come to this new world! Great read!

[B. Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book

I enjoyed the book however, I believe if he had left out all of the foul language that it would be an excellent book for young people. They could learn a lot from it and enjoy it at the same time.

[Adrienne DeMilner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating adventure of a young boy dealing with life’s disappointments and finding a way to survive. The author captured his incredible spirit and throws in accurate historical background of the time. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!