Hungry: The Inspiring Tale of Three Donner Party Survivors

by B.E. Baker

A mesmerizing work, literarily impressive and historically exacting. -KirkusIn 1847, the Donner party resorted to eating human flesh to survive entrapment at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. They became infamous almost instantly, with hundreds of books, stories, and interviews exploring their misery. None of them tell the extraordinary story from the first-person point of view of the female survivors.

Until now.

Three women yearned to make better lives in

Nineteen-year-old Mary Ann Graves set out west with her family in search of a home that would be free of disease like the ague that had afflicted her mother and sisters for years. If she met a handsome guy along the way, well, she wouldn’t complain. As the belle of the Donner party, she certainly had plenty of interest.

Peggy Breen had just given birth to her seventh child, but she wasn’t afraid of the two-thousand-mile journey toward prosperity. She’d take care of her children and honor her husband along the trail, because that’s what women of faith did. But when supplies became limited, her giving heart and her mother’s instinct were at odds.

Virginia Blackstone Reed, the thirteen-year-old daughter of the group’s leader, set out in search of adventure, riding her sassy palomino pony alongside the largest double-decker wagon anyone had ever seen. As the adopted daughter of the most influential and prosperous man in the wagon train, she had no idea at the start that her polarizing father with his ostentatious wealth would pave the way for their future devastation.

By the time these women and the rest of the party reached the Sierra Nevada mountains after taking an unproven “shortcut,” they were already two months late. They had lost people, oxen, mules, and livestock they couldn’t survive without. Then the snow began to fall.

And it didn’t stop.

Hungry follows the tenacious protagonists and their miraculous rescue as they fight the elements and one another, highlighting the strength that kept them going when most of us would have been defeated.

Kirkus Reviews said of Hungry, “The story’s historical verisimilitude is magisterial—the author’s research is simply impeccable. This is much more than a recitation of historical facts, though—Baker brings to terrifying life the cruel proximity of hope and barbarism, and the unspeakable things people will do to survive and to save their own. This is a stunning glimpse into a vanished time in American history when every obstacle seemed surmountable and progress assured, despite the awesome danger that lurked everywhere.”

Publisher's Weekly said, "Hungry is a fine-tuned novelization of the infamous Donner party and their 19th century ordeal told from the fictionalized POV of three women. It's clear from the get-go that Baker is familiar with the history behind the events, and the dramatization of the circumstances offers a lush reading experience. Baker 's prose is excellent; she is able to bring lively voice to three very different characters, all long dead, and her descriptions are wondrous. Baker skillfully shapes her courageous heroines, providing them with depth, humanity, and grace as they endure the unimaginable. The author also does a fine job with the many side characters from this chapter of history. The result is an exhausting, exhilarating book showcasing astonishing human endurance."

Genres: Historical Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Bridget loves her husband (every day) and all five of her kids (most days).

She’s a lawyer but does as little legal work as possible. She has three quarter horse geldings, a Holsteiner (jumping) horse, and she spends too much time riding and not enough time writing. (Or too much time writing and not enough time riding, depending on your perspective!)

B.E. Baker is the romance/women's fiction penname for Bridget E. Baker, who also writes fantasy, end of the world, and dystopian books that add a little magic to the world.

Please sign up for Bridget's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at www.BridgetEBakerWrites.com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!

Reviews

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to fully admit that I was a little nervous about reading Hungry when I picked it up to give it a try. All I could think was how on earth could I read something so horrible and horrific and like what I am reading? If you're having those same doubts, don't let that keep you from diving into this book. You will be surprised with how this book puts its hooks in you and won't let you go until the very last word.

Bridget is a phenomenal author and I have devoured every single book she has written so far. Bridget just has a way with sucking me in and getting me invested in whatever she is writing.

Bridget's research and time and attention to detail is impeccable. I did my own deep dive on the Donner party after I read this book and it is clear that Bridget did this too but she must've spent days upon days reading about this historical event because her book is spot on with what I've found. I definitely wasn't a history buff and I happily researched this after reading this book in a day. I plan on reading much more but I stopped to make sure everyone knows just how good this book is.

Bridget definitely puts her own creative take on what happened with these three women and she did an amazing job. This is historical fiction but so incredibly accurate it will feel like you are reading a non-fiction text. Bridget was able to help me feel like I was there with the Donner party trying to decide how to navigate every single situation they found themselves in. I found myself asking my friends and family what they would do in those situations. Would you resort to extreme measures to keep yourself and your family alive or starve because of your morals and upbringing?

So what are you waiting for? I urge you to go read this book and come back and leave your own review after you read it. I can't be the only one still reeling from this well-written thought invoking novel.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

In November 2024, I drove from Salt Lake City, Utah to Sacramento, CA, via Donner's Pass. Every single person I spoke to warned me of the weather. Yes, there'd be a snowstorm. The more I researched the drive, the more nervous I felt even though I have an AWD SUV, and I've driven in a snowy state for decades. Still, I was relieved when the biggest part of the storm ended about 6 hours before I drove through the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The heavy snowfall had been cleared of the roads, but driving was still slow and icy. A pristine wintry landscape surrounded me, made hauntingly beautiful by the setting sun. Haunting was the feeling that came to me because I was thinking about Donner's Pass. I knew the story, but I brushed up on it for my trip (for better or for worse). The trip was completed safely, and on the return trip, I drove most of the ascending portion in the dark (which I won't do again . . .). When I found out that B.E. Baker was releasing a historical novel on three survivors of the Donner Party, I knew I needed to read it. This book will draw you in like no other. You already know the stakes are high. You already know the outcome for many of the poor souls. But it was an honor to remember these people, these dreamers, these trailblazers, for what they endured and sacrificed. A deeply emotional dissection of the human spirit. Highly recommended to add to your to-read list!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely blown away by this book! This fictionalized retelling of the Donner Party brings remarkable humanity to a dark chapter of history through masterful storytelling that left me spellbound from the first page to the last.

Baker weaves a tapestry of faith, unimaginable strength, and motherhood with such exquisite care that even the most difficult moments are infused with profound meaning. The characters leapt from the page with authenticity, their struggles and triumphs resonating deep within my heart.

What truly sets this work apart is Baker's meticulous research and respectful approach to her characters. By reimagining their experiences with such compassion and insight, she creates a narrative that honors their memory while exploring universal themes that connect us all.

This unforgettable book will always hold a special place in my heart—a testament to Baker's extraordinary talent and vision!

THANK YOU, B.E. Baker for an ARC! I cannot wait to share this book with friends and family when it is available widely!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even have the words. Simply incredible. This author’s writing is unbelievably phenomenal. My review will not do this book justice. I am without words.

I have never read anything on the Donner party. Of course I have heard stories of what happened, but I’ve never read any books – nonfiction or fiction - about them. Honestly, if this wasn’t by a trusted author, I would not have picked it up. But my life is so much better for having read it. I recommend it to all. Yes, you will struggle through emotional times. There is heartache and struggle and tears but also laughter and family and faith.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, but I was pulled in very quickly. Three women (13, 19, and 41) and their families in 1846 preparing to make the journey West to California. It was incredible. As a kid, I liked to play the CD ROM game Oregon Trail. Throughout reading this story I could picture images from that exact game as they were trading for the food they would need and how many pounds per person, going out and hunting game, etc. This was such a unique story. This story was strong and captivating. I think sometimes horrific events make us forget that there are real people involved. Those people all have histories and the story we hear isn’t the entire thing. What happened before they were even near the Sierra Nevada mountains? What were their hopes and dreams? Who did they lose along the way, who did they find along the way, and so much more.

When we hear about the Donner Party, all we think is “cannibalism.” I’m here to tell you that this story will change everything. Real people. Gut wrenching events. An unbelief that they even lived long enough to make that hard choice. My views and world have been changed. My eyes and heart opened. Over two thousand miles of horror happened on their trip before those fateful months. No one can even begin to comprehend but this book will take you in and show you. I think this should be required reading at the college level. Never have I read a book with this depth and historicity that captivated me so. My sincerest thanks for to the author for pushing forward against the naysayers and publishing this. I really cannot say enough about this historical fiction. Simple wonderful.

I don’t normally do this, but I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book immediately and lending it out to everyone I know who can’t get a copy for themselves.

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. I've read a lot of both historical and fiction books about the Donner Party, and this one is going to be one I recommend to people to read. Baker gets inside each of the people she features and while I was reading it, I felt like I was right there next to them.

It's not a book I'd recommend for school children, as she goes into all the details on things that happen along the trail. The way she incorporates the physical effects of hunger/starvation into the story really brings the awfulness into focus. None of the other books I've read mention things like shoes/boots being worn out, all warm clothes and blankets having been jettisoned along the way, and other "little" details that make the story real.

It's not an easy book to read, but Baker has done a masterful job of helping us understand all that happened to the Donner Party.

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard about the Donner Party my entire life, but I’ve never really studied them or gotten much into their history besides the unfortunate aspects of what they had to resort to when they were trapped in the snowy mountains with no food.

This story dives into the real lives of three female Donner Party survivors. I felt like I was on the trail with them as they trudged along across deserts and mountains. The stories of the heartbreaking tragedies that befell them are well told. I could never have imagined having to make the decisions they made, but Bridget’s storytelling put me right there with each choice, each conversation, and each step.

Bravo, Bridget for bringing these stories to life. And thank you for renewing my love for historical fiction.

[Natasha Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was only vaguely familiar with the story of the Donner party before I read this, and I found it fascinating. I loved how there were personalities and stories behind each character. I was teary at several points, and could feel their desperation. It’s easy enough to say “I’d never do that” when I’ve never been hungry, but Bridget brought life to how it could feel. Survival is a powerful instinct, as is motherhood. I can’t imagine how horrible it would have been for mothers to watch their babies die of starvation. Heartbreaking. This book gave me all the feels.

[Nikki Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always had a fascination with the story of the Donner party but had never been able to read much about the details about their ordeal because it was painful. This book, while a work of historical fiction, uses a lot of source materials including published works of the three women from whose perspectives the story was told. You'll laugh; you'll cry; and, importantly, you'll learn. This was a great read and really helped me to learn about a subject I was interested in in a way that kept me intrigued such that history books are not able to do.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a genre that I usually read, but I gave it a shot because I love the author so much. Her storytelling ability comes out in full form in this beautiful story. It chronicles the journeys of three women in the infamous Donner party. It humanizes them in a profound way, yet accurately portrays the harrowing choices they were forced to make. At no point is it gory or grotesque, but it still finds a way to break your heart for what they had to do. Regardless of your reading preferences, give this story a shot. It is 100% worth the ride.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My socks are blow off by this new book from B.E. Baker. I know she’s always put effort into research for her other books, including real places and describing the scenes so you feel like you are there, but the amount of research and detail she put into Hungry is mind boggling! When we think of cannibalism, we are usually disgusted and disturbed, but Baker is able to make you sympathize with the characters and understand their plight. While what happens in very dark, there are enough points of hope sprinkled throughout to keep the reader from total despair.

[Brian R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hungry: The Inspiring Tale of Three Donner Party Survivors

I started reading Hungry with much anticipation to learn more about the Donner Party. Shortly after starting to read the book I felt a heaviness in my heart . Hungry is a phenomenal retelling of the life of the pioneers who had a dream to travel all the way to California through the Sierra Nevada mountains. I learned a lot by reading this book. Not just about the people who were involved in the journey but also the resilience and the faith in God these people had. Again, it was a phenomenal book.

[Greg Schloesser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend not to read much historical fiction, but I was interested in learning more about the Donner Party incident and thought the story told from the perspective of three survivors would be interesting.

The book did provide some accurate historical information, and did a great job of conveying the hunger, cold and misery suffered by members of the party. With so many characters being discussed, it was difficult to keep track of them. Still, the story was interesting, albeit a bit repetitive.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite 5 stars because it did drag at times. But a very good book and educational. It had me constantly googling more info on the event.
I also had to keep a list open of all the people that were on the trip. There were so many people, and so many children that it was, at times, hard to keep everyone straight.
this book does not deal with the Donner family. It revolves around the other families that started out with the Donners. And it makes me question as to why everything with the story is referred to as the Donner Party, the Donner Pass.
Narration was very well done.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away! It grabbed me by the shirtfront and pulled me completely in. If you have ever heard of the Donner party and thought, "How could they?" by the time you finish this book, you'll be thinking, "How could they NOT? This book takes historical facts and puts faces and personalities on them. By the time you finish this book, you will be personally invested in these people. This author can make even a dark time in history compelling.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved the perspectives of the women. I love how real it was. I was afraid it would be gruesome but it was far from that. I found myself contemplating what choices I would make a a mother to keep my family alive. Definitely tugged at my heart strings and made me ever so grateful for the challenges I have.

[Branalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this book about the Donner party is inspiring, and poignant, and awful, and wonderful. You go into this book knowing how it’ll end and yet, even knowing, you can’t help getting attached to the characters. You dread what’s coming while rooting for them to succeed, to survive. It’s truly awful and gross and horrible but also amazing and inspiring and wonderful. You need to read this book!

[Diane Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nightmarish

I have been fascinated by the tale of the Donner Party for years and have read many books about that time. This book really made the reality of freezing, starving, and trying to keep your children alive through it all horrifyingly clear. It was a truly terrible ordeal, yet I couldn't put this book down. Incredible.

[Diana Byriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was painful and traumatizing to read. If it wasn’t based on a true story I would have quit.
That being said, it’s a book that created a lasting impression on me and one I will think about for many years. We live in an era where comforts and excess are considered a priority. It’s so meaningful to build perspective on what struggle and resilience can look like. I’m glad I read this book.

[Donna J. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been slightly obsessed by the Donner party forever! I’ve read several books on the subject but have to say I really enjoyed this one spoken in several voices. Such mistakes made, how could it all go go wrong! Who bears the responsibility? And forget the cannibalism! How could anyone survive that cold? My fascination continues.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of chapters jumping between three different characters points of view (especially when there are many people named "Pa" or "Mary"), but once I got into this book, I couldn't put it down. What an amazing story of human perseverance.

[Starla Franklin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book hard to read due to all the different characters. I had to go back to the beginning many times to remember who was who and telling their story. At a few points I was just waiting for the story to be over ,yet it seems to go one longer than needed,IMO.

[Mellyssa Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting.

[Becky Plankenhorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5.

[Shelley Jaymes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes difficult to read because of the subject, but very well done!