Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Company Diary of Jenna Sinclair

Dear Canada

by Julie Lawson

Orphan Jenna Sinclair lives with her prim aunt Grace, who always finds fault with her high spirits and tendency to break the rules. She finds a kindred spirit in her Grandmother, one of the Home Guard Cree who lives near Fort Edmonton and with her friend Suzanne, but soon she moves south to Fort Colvile. She begs her aunt to let her attend a “real” school at Fort Victoria on Vancouver’s Island. With a small brigade, she beings a sometimes harrowing journey down rivers and over mountains to her new life. But even there, Jenna is restless. She sneaks outside the fort walls, spying on the Company officers, even visiting the forbidden Songhees village . . . sometimes finding more than she bargained for.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Canada, Fiction, Historical, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult

283 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Julie Lawson is the award-winning author of many books for young people. Her novels include White Jade Tiger (winner of the Sheila A. Egoff Book Literature Prize and nominated for both the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award and the Silver Birch Award), Destination Gold, and The Ghost of Avalanche Mountain. Among her acclaimed picture books are The Dragon’s Pearl, Emma and the Silk Train, Bear on the Train, and Whatever You Do, Don’t Go Near That Canoe! Her most recent novel, Ghosts of the Titanic, was released in Spring 2011.

Some of the events written about in A Ribbon of Shining Steel were based on the real-life experiences of Julie’s own grandfather, John Anderson, who was among the many immigrants needed to keep the CPR running smoothly.

Julie lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Indeed and truly, but right from the first words of Julie Lawson's Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Company Diary of Jenna Sinclair (which is of course yet another instalment in the Dear Canada series of fictional diaries and takes place from 1850-1851 in Western Canada, starting in what is now the province of Alberta and ending on Vancouver Island) I have been finding twelve year old Jenna Sinclair's fictional journal entries (whilst certainly interesting and with a wonderfully realistic feeling and sense of time and place) a bit too exaggerated and sometimes even bordering on being frustratingly overwrought and much too intent on our young diarist, on Jenna Sinclair finding adventure and more and more adventure (although I do still much appreciate how author Julie Lawson has rendered Jenna's narrative voice as generally age appropriate for a highly strung and inherently restless almost teenaged girl, even though that on a personal level, I just really cannot consider Jenna Sinclair as truly being a kindred spirit, as she, even with me being able to absolutely understand her rambunctiousness and tomboy-like spirit in and of itself is just way too overly extroverted for me to feel all that emotionally close to her).

However, it has actually been one part of Where the River Takes Me: The Hudsons' Bay Company Diary of Jenna Sinclair that has now made me consider not a solid three stars (which I was originally planning on doing) but only two and a half stars as a rating (and no, I am also not willing to up my rating for Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Diary of Jenna Sinclair to three stars either, preferring instead to lower my ranking). For yes, even with Jenna's fictional diary often feeling and reading a bit too intensely exaggerated and as overly fidgedy and jumpy as she, as Jenna's own personality seems to be, I did not really get an actual sense of a lack of belief and a sense of Julie Lawson's text, of Jenna's words being in fact too overly extreme until the depiction of Mr. Cavendish trying to murder Mr. Hammond (and of Mr. Cavendish being discovered as having in fact killed his fiancée in England and then escaping under a pseudonym to British Columbia).

Because in my opinion, that entire scenario just kind of appears right out of the proverbial blue so to speak (and with no prior warnings and inklings either), feeling not only frustratingly tacked on but also leaving me (leaving g readers) with the feeling that the ending of Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Company Diary of Jenna Sinclair is really and truly frustratingly much too cinematic, too like a moving picture script (and indeed to and for me, this kind of majorly does lessen that which had been delightful and engaging in Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Company Diary of Jenna Sinclair, which is indeed also not a terrible or an inappropriate fictional diary either, but yes and for all intents and purposes, Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Diary of Jenna Sinclair has also been at least to and for me not really all that much of a reading pleasure and certainly rather disappointing).

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Jenna Sinclair begins her diary in August of 1849. She is an orphan living with her strict Aunt Grace at Fort Edmonton, where her father worked for the Hudson's Bay Company before his death. Shortly after Jenna begins writing her diary, Aunt Grace marries, and now Jenna must leave her home for the first time in her life, for her new uncle has been assigned to a job at a different fort. Jenna is very sad to leave her best friend, Suzanne, and her beloved grandmother, but she is also excited about the adventures she is sure to have on her journey.

Shortly after arriving at her new home, Fort Colvile, Jenna learns of a school for children of Hudson's Bay Company employees. Her aunt and uncle agree that Jenna can attend the school, and so she sets out on another long journey to Fort Victoria on Vancouver's Island. The school isn't quite what Jenna hoped for, as the teachers are very strict. But she eventually makes new friends, explores the island, tries to solve a mystery, and visits the local Indian tribe, while recording all her adventures in her diary, as she hopes to write a novel based on her adventures someday.

Where the River Takes Me is another good book from the Dear Canada series. Jenna is a likeable narrator, and the book is full of interesting historical details. This book is mostly a story of what everyday life was like for the child of a Hudson's Bay Company employee in the mid 19th century and I think it had less of a plot compared to some of the other books in the Dear Canada series. Still, this book is an enjoyable read that I recommend to readers who enjoyed other books from this series or from the similar Dear America series.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like 100 or so pages could have been omitted as there was a lot of filler in the plot. Didn't really like Jenna and there was way too much capitalization. Also felt like the US was misrepresented. I am from the Pacific Northwest not too far from Fort Vancouver, and the fur trade was significant for our history, too.

[TJL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's the thing: I went into this book not knowing what the Hudson Bay Company was, and honestly, if you asked me what it was now, I'm not sure I'd be able to give you a comprehensive answer- and usually I'd mark a Dear Canada/Dear America book down for that, since I expect some relatively intimate detail about whatever topic they're covering.

But honestly, Jenna made up for it.

Jenna's voice was amazing. Her character and development was amazing. She was funny and animated and so very real. This diary is written precisely the way I would think a bright, energetic young girl would write it. Jenna is one of the most believable and distinct characters I have ever read in the Dear America/Canada series.

As a result, while I still don't know a great deal (comprehensively) about the Hudson Bay Company, I do feel like I got a great look at the life a young girl would live if she/her family were stationed at these forts. The education, her surroundings, her life- it all felt like a really good snapshot of what a real girl might experience in that time-period.

I liked this book, and I loved Jenna.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the River Takes Me takes place in 1850 as Jenna Sinclair’s life is about to change. Since the death of her father, she had been living with his sister, Aunt Grace. Jenna loved living in Fort Edmonton. She often shared time with her maternal grandmother. She also had a very best friend named Suzanne.

Jenna and Aunt Grace had always lived alone. Everyone said Aunt Grace was too fussy when it came to men. Then, Aunt Grace met Rory Kennedy.

This is where Jenna’s real adventure began. Her first move would be to Fort Colvile, where her Aunt and new Uncle would live. Jenna would go to boarding school on Vancouver Island. Here she’d make some enemies, find a few new friends, solve a mystery, report a crime, and have a great deal of adventures.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book in the series, but still enjoyable. It didn't have any dry moments like some of the books and it easy to relate. After all Jenna did go through some tough moments with bullying at school and false accusations.
I would recommend this book, but it would not be the first that comes to mind when it comes to this series.

[Meaghan Steeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely the longest of the diaries, and not exactly my favourite. While I did enjoy the journey aspects and the times Jenna spent with the Songhees, there were several events that felt out of place to me and I felt it went on longer than it had to.

[Renae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but not really focusing on an event like other titles. I found it a little lacking in that area. I'd have given it 3.5 stars if I could have.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the journey in that one.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good, as it was realistic, yet exciting. This book also had interesting turns of events, and many interesting adventures. I recommend this book for all these reasons.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting enough account of life in western Canada in the mid-nineteenth century, even if our spunky heroine did come off as a sort of early Nancy Drew.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading through the Dear Canada novels for the first time since I have only recently learned they exist and I loved Dear America. This one was very good, though a bit dry in the middle, and the epilogue was very long and introduced way too many new characters.

[Westward Woess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna Sinclair dreams to write an adventure novel one day, so when her Aunt announces they are moving to another fort far away from childhood home, she is very excited. However, when the journey ends she becomes restless once more. When she hears about a school in another fort she begs to be allowed to go. Despite her Aunt's warnings she travels to the fort with a small brigade and begins school. Her Aunt is right and Jenna does hate it. She gets restless and goes adventuring around the wild landscape. Sometimes finding a bit more then she bargained for.
The book was excellent and quite exciting. Jenna's wanderlust kept the book going and kept it from being dull. She, like the other people mentioned in her journal, was a very good character. It was also very educational. I learned a lot about Canada and the Hudson's Bay company at the time.
It's a great book for young people who like historical fictions.

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite part was when all the girls at the school liked Jenna because she helped warn Mr. Hammond from being attacked by Mr. Cavendish. The worst part was when Mr. Cavendish tricked everyone to think that he was good, and really he was the bad person. My favourite character was Jenna because she was nice and helpful to the other girls, and also Mr. Hammond. The worst character was Mr. Cavendish because he tried to attack Mr. Hammond, and Mr. Hammond did nothing wrong. Auryn 12 years old, 2015

[Shanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the River Takes Me is another book from the Dear Canada series which focuses on the Hudson's Bay Company during the years 1850-1851. The story's main character, Jenna Sinclair, travels from Fort Edmonton to Fort Victoria after losing her father and stays at Staines School to further her studies. Along the way she experiences adventure and friendships to deliver an interesting stories for readers of all ages.

[Shanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from the Dear Canada series, "Where the River Takes Me" will leave the reader entertained and wanting to know what comes next in the story.
Julie Lawson does a fantastic job at creating lively characters and also providing a story full of adventure, which keeps the reader engaged.
Like every book in the Dear Canada series, I learned a little bit more about Canada's history, to which I am proud of.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously this is an educational novel for children, but I definitely did enjoy it more now than I did when I was younger. The main character was really likeable, the events flowed well, and the "Adventures" she experienced ended up being really interesting. I think children would really enjoy this book!

[Amanda H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been in situations like Jenna a lot, so her isolation at school and her homesickness made me a little uncomfortable.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as good as others I have read in the series but still enjoyable.

[Amy Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and the look at some of our Canadian history

[Jenna Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember so, so little of this book, but I gave it 3 stars because A) the main character's name is Jenna, B) part of it is set in Fort Edmonton, and C) I think I liked it. So there!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good book and I enjoyed reading it cover to cover. I look forward to reading more Dear Canada books!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite good actually I love the very eventful life of Jenna Sinclair, quite amusing actually!

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to Come!

[Harmony · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible
Never
Ever
READ ! ! !

[Harold Walters]

Part of a very good series that is basically historical fiction (in diary form) designed for 12 year old girls, give or take a birthday.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book can be summoned up in one word: boring.

Coming in at just under 300 pages, written in diary form for small to midrange children, I should have been able to finish this book in one sitting. Well, half of one sitting. Instead I hmmed and hahed my way through the book slowly, even though I was using it to avoid all my other reading. It should not have taken so long. But it did, cause it was boring.

The title "Where the River Takes Me" automatically implies that there should be some sort of adventure involved. What you should pay attention to is the little bottom bit that says "Fort Victoria, Vancouver Island, 1849." That is the true title of this book.

Jenna keeps talking about 'adventure' but in actuality the actual adventure parts (including the river part) are all glossed over within a few short entries and the remainder of the book is about a school aged girl complaining about school. There are a few sections that are actually somewhat educational in regards to the Songhees and their weaving, clam digging and planting practices. Toss in a few small side adventures and complaining about church and there you go. There's the book.

Okay not quite, the author throws in a few far fetched, out of the blue, things such as a killed cow and then a murder scenario to try and make it better, but somehow I find that this detracts from the actual novel. For awhile it's got this Ann of Green Gable's diary in the 1800's western Canada vibe going on and then these events designed to keep the reader's interest get plunked in towards the end and the vibe is gone.


All in all I'd peg this between a 2 and a 2.5 star novel. I liked Jenna, but I feel like the book could have been shorter just because not a lot was going on.

Just my opinion though.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. 2.5 stars.

The book dragged in many parts and took me longer to read than it should have because I had to keep making myself read a bit more (never a good sign). Nothing really happens for most of the book, an exciting event for a couple of pages, then lots of nothing again. It is mostly Jenna navel-gazing and complaining about the world around her.

I also had trouble warming up to protagonist/narrator Jenna. I thought she complained and found fault too much. I always wonder why authors make the decisions that they do. For example, here Lawson could have chosen to create a fictional school with interesting happenings and classes. Instead, she chose to have a book where very little happens and instead creates school leaders who gave Jenna much to complain about. I found it tiresome. Also, even at times when Jenna is happy or satisfied it is in a sour-grapes type or look-down-upon-someone else type of way, which was also tiresome.

I'm not sure why I rounded up to three stars, but I did and am not changing it now. Maybe because I appreciate the series and generally like this author?

I will look up other books in the series and by this author even though this particular book was not my favourite in either case.

[Courtnay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun for me even as an adult as both a history need and someone raised on Vancouver Island with Cree and Métis step family from the Edmonton area. Although I'm already fairly well versed in BC History it was still a lot of fun to have fictionalized versions of such well known figures in the story and I think any kid around Jenna's age would really enjoy this. I'd honestly forgotten how much I enjoyed the Dear Canada books I'd read when I was a kid. Will definitely, without shame, read another when I can afford to get a new one.