Sonora, Jenni L. Walsh (Review by Kristin Kurek)

Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh follows Sonora Webster a young woman in the 1920’s who is yearning to start living life to its fullest on her own terms. She answers an ad requesting a woman who can dive and likes horses. Soon, she finds herself diving on horseback from 45 feet in the air as a part of a traveling show. She builds a life of excitement and romance. But, will an unexpected injury end the wonderful life that she had built?

I adore a well-researched historical fiction. This book is based on the true-to-life account of Sonora Webster Carver. Walsh uses extensive research to bring Sonora to life on the page. I found her free-spirited, self-determined life to be an inspiration in the 1920’s setting portrayed in the story. Her short-haired, flapper style jumped off the page and gave life to a woman trapped in a time of deference to men. Walsh also breathed extensive amounts of life into the horses in this story. Each had a distinct personality and a personal story to tell. I loved the animals having equal character development to the human characters in the story, and I was devastated when reading of the demise of one of these horses.

The relationships between Sonora and her husband, sister, and her horses were the highlight of this book. Sonora is a very strong woman, especially in the 1920’s and beyond. But, she is bolstered by the support of those who love her.

This novel is an inspiration to read and sent me down a rabbit hole of internet research on the actual events. I loved reading Sonora’s story, both in the novel and as the subject of research. Rare is a fictional novel that can capture the imagination while reading and incite a deep dive into non-fictional research. I loved this book, and you will too if you love historical fiction. Jenni L. Walsh can do no wrong as far as I am concerned.