Bridget Daugherty and her family are modern-day nomads called Travelers, who live in trailers and move frequently. Bridget's group of Travelers have many unique customs, including arranged marriages for young daughters, with the new son-in-law literally becoming part of the bride's family; dropping out of school early; condoned sexual promiscuity for males only; and compulsive virginity for brides. Many Travelers in this book make their living by scamming off those who stay put, whom they call Country people.

(Author notes confirm that Travelers exist, and that this story is based on Kim Ablon Whitney's research of Travelers. She adds that the Travelers in her story are not representative of the wide variety of Travelers. My comments on Travelers in this review refer only to the fictional characters in the book.)

Bridget feels at odds with the Traveler life, and her unease increases as she grows into womanhood. Unlike other Travelers Bridget knows, she loves school and has continued her education beyond the basics. However, with her family constantly on the move, schooling is a problem.

Bridget's parents have arranged a marriage for her to Patrick Murphy, the son of their friends and traveling companions. Bridget likes Patrick and thinks he's cute and nice. But she is dismayed at his nighttime prowls with her brother, Jimmy. She has overheard them talking about the women they've picked up and their sexual adventures. Bridget resents the Traveler expectation that she will be a virgin bride. Besides, marriage in itself frightens her.

Bridget and her friend Ann shoplift and trick unsuspecting Country people out of their money. This is accepted Traveler behavior, but Bridget's conscience begins to bother her. She worries that if she continues in the Traveler traditions, she'll ultimately regret it and miss out on major opportunities in her life.

Bridget's concerns are amplified when she hooks up with Patrick, Jimmy and her uncle for a huge scam. Will they make a ton of money? Is it worth it, considering the potential heartache to their victims? Are they all going to land in prison?

An intriguing mystery threads through the plot: Who is Bridget's mom's mystery caller? Ann suspects an affair, but Bridget can't believe that.

This is a fascinating glimpse into a little-known culture. I enjoyed Bridget and related to her angst. However, I thought that the clues to the mystery caller would have added to the puzzle and given the reader the satisfying opportunity to attempt to solve the riddle; unfortunately, it didn't. I also found the ending to be rather rushed and incomplete.

Despite these minor disappointments, SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD is an excellent read; I recommend it wholeheartedly.

   -