To The Moon And Back by Eliana Ramage

From past to present, a journey of loss, love, and belonging…

Set between 1987 and 2027, primarily in Oklahoma, To the Moon and Back is a compelling work of historical fiction that weaves together personal narrative with major historical events. The novel touches on moments such as the Trail of Tears (stemming from the Indian Removal Act), the Indian Child Welfare Act, 9/11, and the U.S. War in Afghanistan, among others, grounding its story in a broader historical context.

Before diving deeper into the story itself, I want to highlight something Ramage does particularly well—something I find is often missing in historical fiction, whether in books or film. At the end of the novel, she clearly outlines which elements are factual, which have been adapted, and which are entirely fictional. This distinction is incredibly valuable. When real-world events and figures are woven into a narrative, it can be easy for readers to assume that most, if not all, details are true. Ramage’s transparency adds an extra layer of trust and thoughtfulness to the reading experience.

Written by Cherokee author Eliana Ramage, the novel follows Steph Harper, her sister Kayla, and their mother Hannah after an accident forces them to leave their home in Texas and relocate to a reservation in Oklahoma. From there, the story unfolds in ways that are both deeply personal and historically resonant.

I won’t go further into the plot, as this is a book best experienced without spoilers. What I will say is that To the Moon and Back is a powerful and engaging read—one I would highly recommend to anyone looking to diversify their bookshelf while enjoying a richly layered story.

RATING: 5/5