This book dispels a myth that we heard during our recent, first visit to Shenandoah. We were told by a park volunteer that the people in the area were happy to give up their homes for the establishment of the national park because of the economic impact the park would have. Not necessarily so!

I enjoyed reading about the beginnings of the park and about the people who inhabited the area, but was dismayed by the controversy regarding responsibility for displacing the families and implementation strategies. I enjoyed reading about the author's hikes into the park, but didn't appreciate her "bushwhacking" tactics as I firmly believe that park visitors should stay on the trails. I was caught off guard by the revelation of William E. Carson's story, the only character to be developed; more people/stories could have received more attention.

A few parts of the book were slow reading, but for the most part it flowed well and was easy to read. However, beware of a few very long, convoluted, complex sentences; I had to read some of them more than once. ( )

Since I moved to a new home just 12 miles from Shenandoah National Park, I've been interested in the natural beauty of the area. This book opened my eyes to the cultural riches that were lost when the park was formed. I think that this park would never have been able to be created today, so it's a treasure that deserves to be cherished. The hikes the author describes brought her to areas that opened up their history to her, which she has researched and shared. I think "Conservation and Betrayal" is a little tendentious for the title, but it's a fascinating study of a world that has disappeared. A quick read, and well worth the time. ( )

This book is mostly the memoir of an avid hiker and history buff. It's also an introduction to the art and science of bushwhacking: hiking off the marked roads and trails in search of the park's history and memories. It's a fairly quick read. Highly recommended. ( )