These Is My Words summary

The Resilience of Sarah Prine

In the riveting novel These Is My Words, Nancy E. Turner plunges us into the life of Sarah Prine, a fearless young woman in the Arizona Territories in the late 1800s. With her family, Sarah embarks on a treacherous wagon journey from their home in Arizona to Texas, but multiple tragedies strike leaving her to fend for her remaining family.

Known for her sharp shooting skills, quick wit, and compassionate spirit, Sarah's journey is marked by hardship. She faces the death of her father and a brutal attack that leaves her brother, Clover, mentally handicapped. And yet, Sarah persistently battles the odds, tending to her family and keeping her dream of education alive.

The Power of Love and a Learner’s Spirit

Enter Captain Jack Elliot, a fellow pioneer who becomes enamored with Sarah’s strength and spirit. Despite their initial friction, a deep bond develops between them that transforms into a profound, enduring love against the raw and rugged backdrop of their environment. Sarah's mother dies, leaving her as the matriarch of the family with considerable farm and mine interests to manage.

Throughout her journey, Sarah maintains a fierce dedication to learning. Yearning for the education she missed as a child, she teaches herself to read and write, often penning her thoughts, experiences, and dreams. These heart-wrenching, humorous, and wise diary entries form the basis of These Is My Words, showcasing her evolution from a young girl to a resilient woman.

Trials, Tragedies and Triumphs

Life on the frontier brings further trials and tragedies, including the loss of her child and horrible farm accidents. She faces sexism in her attempts to run a mule-train and mine operation, robbed and doubted because of her gender. But in spite of all the obstacles, Sarah never allows her spirit to be vanquished. Instead, she fights for her rights, her family, and her land – proving her resilience time and again.

Fate continues to challenge Sarah with the killing of her husband, Jack, forcing her to push through grief and sorrow to ensure the survival of her family and the prosperity of her lands. Despite the rampant hardship, Sarah’s spirit remains indomitable as she continues to protect and provide for her family and employees.

Emblem of Strength and Determination

Later in life, Sarah meets the charming U.S. Marshal, Alvin DuPree, who provides her with stability and companionship. Her spirit of resilience continues to shine through as she supports her growing children and faces the challenges of love, aging and continued growth of her businesses.

Within the pages of These Is My Words, Sarah Prine transforms from a teenager in 1881 to a wise and seasoned woman in 1901, emblematic of courage, perseverance, and resilience of women in an unforgiving world. Turner’s ability to plot the drama of a thrilling love story against the backdrop of a harsh, wild environment creates a timeless tale of love, family, and survival.