| Title | : | People of the River (North America's Forgotten Past, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0330336517 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780330336512 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 544 |
| Publication | : | First published June 1, 1992 |
A masterful story of the first north Americans by the bestselling authors of People of the Earth.
People of the River (North America's Forgotten Past, #4) Reviews
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Ditmaal gaat het verhaal over de mensen in de regio van Mississippi. Er heerst een enorme droogte, en de mensen moeten dan ook nog eens een enorme schatplicht betalen aan de leider van Cahokia, zodat ze amper kunnen overleven. Deze Tharon is een wrede leider, hij laat dikwijls in een opwelling mensen doden, en hij onteert zijn dochtertje. Maar hij is ook bang van degenen die Macht hebben, en daarom probeert hij alle Machtsbuidels en andere symbolen van macht die hij maar kan opsporen, te verzamelen.
Het kan niet anders of de mensen komen in opstand en plannen worden gesmeed voor een oorlog.
Ondertussen krijgen we ook het verhaal te horen van verschillende Dromers, sjamaans: Nachtschade, Zwerver en Korstmos.
Moeder Aarde geeft geen regen meer omdat ze zo uitgebuit wordt door de mensen, en Eerste Vrouw heeft zich afgesloten voor de Dromers. Het zal uiteindelijk Korstmos zijn die terug contact kan leggen met Eerste Vrouw, om Moeder Aarde te bewegen regen te zenden zodat er weer maïs en andere gewassen geteeld kunnen worden.
Ik vond dat het in dit boek wel erg veel over de oorlog ging, en de strijd, verwondingen en verminkingen worden uitvoerig beschreven, iets te veel naar mijn zin. Toch is het een interessant verhaal, dat ik graag uitgelezen heb. -
The Gears again write an engrossing novel about Native life in pro-Columbus America. The climate is changing and as drought spreads across the land the Mound Builders raid neighbors and even their own people to get the food and resources to survive.. A gripping, thoughtful read.
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4,25 stars - English Ebook
Quote: "Mother Earth would be better off without people...Part of my soul died with the last mammoth calf."
Quote:" I'm giving you ten days. You should be able to teach her the basic skills of Dreaming in that time''
An earnest tale of warfare and spiritual journeys among an ancient American people--the first of this archaeologist team's First North Americans series to appear in hardcover. The story takes place circa A.D. 1300, in what is now Illinois, and concerns a vanished people known as the Mound Builders.
The city of Cahokia, a trading and governing center, has as its leader the Great Chief Theron, who, at a time of growing drought and scarcity, insists on sacking his group of villages. Leading Theron's forces is a Brutus sort of warrior, Badgertail, who hates making war on brothers but believes instead in preserving order. And a rebellion is growing.
Meanwhile, it's obvious to the priestess Nightshade, once captured as a child by Theron's father, escaped, and recaptured, that the First Woman (a supernatural deity) has closed off her realm and can't be reached for relief from war and famine.
The child Lichen, however, tutored to shed self and give up her soul, will eventually pass through the Well of the Ancestors to the Underworld.
At the close, Theron is killed, and the good survivors find a kind of paradise. At first a bit thick and hard to follow, and there's the inevitable jolly anachronism. But the warfare is strikingly graphic, the Dreaming excursions intense. With the supernatural elements and harsh utilitarian characters, this has a remote but sturdy science- fiction feel.
This is the story of a child who was filled with the power of Dreaming. She had an old shaman who was called Wanderer who taught her and ended up saving her so that she could be the new priestess of the Mound building people.
These people came to be know as the Mississippi people and in my state we have an ancient Mound. The temple resided on the top of the Mound and the Sun people lived there.
The more common people lived below the Mound. These people lived with their fields of corn and squash spread out around their village and the river that flowed close by them.
I enjoyed this novel but, it's an interessting thing fictional historical novels. -
People of the River By W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear
Review
This is a wonderful tale of interest built from the remains found in an archeology dig Mississippians, who, between 700 A.D. and 1500 A.D., Cahokia people are in crisis, and starving and not able to pay their chief. A new dreamer comes to help change the world for the better.
The starvation and war has made the world close to the brink of death, Mother Earth has closed the door to the rain. The first woman has closed the portal to the world of dreams, dreamers are unable to reach the land of the dead and talk to their answers. Over a decade ago Nightshade was kidnapped by Beavertail on the advice of Old Mormont, who dreamed she would lead to a new way. Old Mormont has only seen part of the dream. Nightshade has been band from Cahokia.
Tharon is a man who is known as the Sun Chief of the sun people of Cahokia. The elite of the people of the mounds, has been up to something evil. His behavior has caused the drought, the last straw in the evil of men who do not keep the balance of the spiral. Theron is collecting all the power objects from the Cahokia Empire, sending Bagertail to raid and destroy all those who oppose him. Bagertail reluctantly does as his Chief demands, and loses his brother on a deadly raid. Lost in his grief, Bagertail finds solace in his closest friend Locast. She is his female cousin and a strong warrior. Locust is married to the Berache Primrose, third in line of the leadership of his clan.
Locust is a young girl of 10 who has the touch of a dreamer. Meadow Vole her mother is the keeper of the Stone Wolf, which used to be part of the wolf bundle and connected to power. Meadow Vole is frightened and unable to dream. Wanderer Locast father, although she does not know it, decides it’s time to teacher her to dream. He led her to her spirit helper, Bird- Man (Raven hunter) the dark hero twin.
Can Nightshade find the path to the world of the dead? Can someone reach the first woman and talk to her and change her mind, and save humanity. People of the river are a dynamic story with many exciting adventures, battles, and power challenges.
Character list
People of the River (mound-building Cahokia)
Dreamer: Nightshade: main dreamer, more powerful the others, kidnapped as a child, has connections to the turtle bundle.
Badgertail: as a young warrior kidnapped nightshade, as an old man... led raids he did not want to against the people because Tharon's directions.
Lichen: is a young girl who goes to tutor under an Wanderer who is thought to be crazy.
Wanderer: the teacher of Nightshade and Lichen and Meadow vole. Feels he is possessed by the spirits of animals.
MeadowVole: keeper of the stone wolf, mother of Lichen, is afraid to dream.
Birdman- Raven Hunter: the main person in their mythos that they believe gave them purpose and reason, and did not want people to come into this world because he felt it was too difficult. Represented as Red.
Tharon: evil leader who has been abusing his young daughter Orenda. Tharon is very crazy.
Wolfslayer/ Wolf Dreamer: counterpart, and brother of birdman, lead people into this world, not thought of as greatly as his brother, represented as white.
Orenda: daughter of the chief leaves for Talon town for safety, after the abuse her father gave her was found out.
Power object: river turtle bundle (has to be tied to a dreamer) cover has white spirals, red, yellow and blue encircled the edge. The hide has a Red hand in the center with a black eye. a long dart point with a fluted base. Tiny bits of bone a stone sharks tooth. a tortoiseshell garget inscribed with the face of thunderbird and shriveled head of rattlesnake. And a Turquoise pendant. -
Despite enjoying historical fiction, Native American history, and in particular, the region of Cahokia, this was a painfully uninteresting book.
Not entirely sure why it couldn't hold my interest. I think I might have lost interest due to the perspective switching for such long periods of time. Also, much of the book didn't have much climax to it and the writing was fairly dry.
Towards the end the action picked up, but the final drama seemed to come out of nowhere. There was a slight setup, but it really just felt forced. The love story that exploded at the end was also unexpected and unexplained.
The book tried to depict a society in turmoil due to both internal and external circumstances, but mostly just seemed to tell the story of a power-mad dictator.
I was impressed by the handling of the male-to-female character. He was married to a female warrior and handled with dignity. Their marriage and relationship was touching, and was a nice touch in an otherwise fairly predictable book. -
This is another book that is hard (for me) to rank, so I didn't. I found the characters compelling, but uncomplicated. A couple of them underwent some change during the story (one, a ten year-old girl, you would expect some growth from), but most were exactly the same people at the end, in spite of war and famine. The research and details--food, farming techniques, clothing production, house building, tools, etc.--are breathtaking and the battle scenes brutal. It's obvious that the authors have archaeology backgrounds. The story is fascinating: what brought down the flourishing Mississippi Mound civilization in AD 13-14C? Climate change? Environmental degradation from overpopulation? Warring over dwindling resources? Religious strife?
Given my assessment of the parts, why did the sum of the reading experience feel just "OK"? I found it very difficult to relate to the religious/shamanistic experiences of most of the lead characters. They lived in a world where spirits walked, talked, guarded, and guided them. They took hallucinogenic drugs and performed rituals in order to enhance those experiences. They "dreamed" and prophesied. The spirit guides lectured and hectored the dreamers on their duty to right the wrongs of all the ordinary people who upset the balance of nature. The message was loud and clear: "Don't mess with Mother Nature"--or in this case "First Woman."
I have considerable sympathy with environmental themes--they've proved to be significant contributing factors in the downfall of several civilizations. I write in the pre-modern age and use religious ritual, superstitious warding, dreaming, and prophecy in my own fiction. But I found--for my taste--the constant use of those elements, in this story, excessive. It tipped the book from historical fiction to historical fantasy. That doesn't take away from the wonderful historical detail, but "the gods willed it" or "It was fate" always dulls the story me. Others, with more tolerance for those elements, will find this a more enjoyable read. -
The Gear's are a husband-wife team who write books about the prehistoric first peoples of North America. There are several books in the series, but it isn't mandatory that you read them in order. Sure, there are a few details that may leave you confused if you haven't read the others, but the majority of the story is original and separate from the rest. People of the River is considered the fourth book in this series.
Nightshade is considered a powerful Dreamer. She has been ever since she was stolen from her peoples and made a part of the River People's community. But she and the main leader have never gotten along; there's something not quite right about him and he seeks to harness her power and dominate her. Add in a drought that is killing off the people, and someone has angered the spirits, and only Nightshade, and unknown woman are going to be able to put it right again.
The theme of this book was crazy. There were quite a few people who just weren't right in this book and while some of them were good and harmless, there was a bad kind of crazy in this book, and it was sinister. I was eagerly waiting to see what would happen when the Leader would have one of his childish fits and demand everything go his way because you knew it would never mean anything good. And then there was Wanderer, who was crazy too but in such an endearing way that he was charming.
I'd never really realized how complex the River people were. They almost seemed Aztec in traditions and living style. I was pleased to see that a bit of their culture was mentioned in this book and that it wasn't all mysticism, although there was a lot of that as well. It seems that Dreamers and special spiritual quests are always going to be a part of these books.
This was an interesting book, although a little fast paced. I do think the bad guy is what made this one engaging.
People of the River
Copyright 1992
400 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2014
More of my reviews can be found at
www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com -
"People of the River" is based on the Cahokian peoples of Illinois. Also known as mound builders, they build some fantastic structures. This novel is about a young girl by the name of Lichen who is destined to be a great dreamer and plays an important role in the war occurring between the Sun God of Cohokia and rival villages. This book started out different than most of the other People novels I have read, the first 200 pages is just character and plot building then it quickly changes pace mid way and eventually comes to a very climactic ending. The last 100 pages or so is just incredible! It includes war tactics, brutality, spiritual journeys, and heavy action.
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I have not been able to put this series down since I first found it a few months ago. It is written by a husband and wife who are both Archaeologists. They have written a series of books called The First North Americans, as well as each writing their own individual books. Though the stories are mainly fictional, they are supplemented by real archaeological and historical findings and facts. Very intense at moments and really sad at others, overall, an excellent read.
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This story takes us away from the West to the Mississippi valley. Various groups, called the Mound Builders, have built their homes around Cahokia where the Sun Chief lives. But this is a troubled time--their main food, corn, is not growing since there is no rain. They blame it on the Sun Chief--he is thirsty for power and demands tributes from all the villages, not caring that they starve. And the gods, including First Woman, have turned their backs on the people as well.
But the only hope there is, is found in a young girl, Lichen, who will become a powerful dreamer, with the help of Wanderer and Nightshade. Will the three bring the gods back? Will there be rain? Or will there be a war to end all human life?
This is a most interesting series and ties what archeologists have found in areas across North America. -
Review People of the River is a wonderful tale of interest built from the remains found in an archeology dig Mississippians, who, between 700 A.D. and 1500 A.D., Cahokia people are in crisis, and starving and not able to pay their chief. A new dreamer comes to help change the world for the better.The starvation and war has made the world close to the brink of death, Mother earth has closed the door to the rain. THe first woman has closed the portal to the world of dreams, dreamers are unable to reach the land of the dead and talk to their ansters. over a decade ago Nightshade was kidnapped by Bagertail on the advice of Old Mormont, who dreamed she would lead to a new way. Old Mormont has only seen part of the dream. Nightshade has been band from Chaokia. Tharon, the Sun Chief of the sun people of Cahokia. The elite of the people of the mounds, has been up to something evil. His behavior has caused the drought, the last straw in the evil of men who do not keep the ballance of the spiral. THaron is collecting all the power objects from the Cahokia empire, sending Bagertail to raid and distroy all those who oppose him. Bagertail reluctantly does as his Chief demands, and looses his brother on a deadly raid. Lost in his grief, Bagertail finds solace in his closest friend Locast. His female cousin, and a strong warrior. Locaust is married to the Berache Primrose, third in line of the leadership of his clan. Locust is a young girl of 10 who has the touch of a dreamer. Meadow Vole her mother is the keeper of the Stone Wolf, which used to be part of the wolf bundel and connected to power. Meadow Vole is frightened and unable to dream. Wanderer Locast father, although she does not know it, desides its time to teacher her to dream. And to lead her to her spirit helper, Bird- Man (Raven hunter) the dark hero twin. Can Nightshade find the path to the world of the dead. Can someone reach the first woman and talk to her and change her mind, and save humanity. A dynamic story with many exciting adventures, battles, and power challanges.
I will be meeting John Kelly one of the researchers who are acknowledged in this book for the information the Gears used as resources for the anthropology of the book. I hope to gain more understanding of the familiar story.
Character list
People of the River (mound-building Cahokia)
Dreamer: Nightshade: main dreamer, more powerful theothers, kidnapped as a child, has connections to the turtle bundle.
Badgertail: as a young warrior kidnapped nightshade, as anold man... led raids he did not want to against the people because Tharon'sdirections.
Lichen: is a young girl who goes to tutor under an Wandererwho is thought to be crazy.
Wanderer: the teacher of Nightshade and Lichen and Meadowvole. Feels he is possessed by the spirits of animals.
MeadowVole: keeper of the stone wolf, mother of Lichen, isafraid to dream.
Birdman- Raven Hunter: the main person in their mythos thatthey believe gave them purpose and reason, and did not want people to come intothis world because he felt it was too difficult. Represented as Red.
Tharon: evil leader who has been abusing his young daughterOrenda. Tharon is very crazy.
Wolfslayer/ Wolf Dreamer: counterpart, and brother of birdman, lead people into this world, not thought of as greatly as his brother,represented as white.
Orenda: daughter of the chief leaves for Talon town forsafety, after the abuse her father gave her was found out.
Power object: river turtle bundle (has to be tied to adreamer) cover has white spirals, red, yellow and blue encircled the edge. Thehide has a Red hand in the center with a black eye. a long dart point with afluted base. Tiny bits of bone a stone sharks tooth. a tortoiseshell gargetinscribed with the face of thunderbird and shriveled head of rattlesnake. And a Turquoise pendant.
Bibliography of People of the river
Magazine
Baerreis, D.A. and R.A. Bryson."Climatic episodes and the dating of the Mississippian cultures" THe Wisconson Archaeologist vol 46.1965.
Chomoko, Stephen a., and G.w. crawford"Plant husbandry in prehistoric north america: new evidence for its develpment." American Antiquity vol 43 1978
Culin, Stewart, "Games of the Noth american Indians." Twentyu fourth annual report of the bureau of american ethnolyg to the smithsonian institute, 1902-1903. government printing office, washing ton dc 1907
Gardner, a Dudley. "Test Excavations at the Minor site (40by28)." Unpubliushed report of the department of the behavioral and soical sciences lee college cleveland, tenn. 1991
Hayden, Brian, and June M. Ryder."a Graph-Theoretic Approach to the evolution of cahokia." American Antiquity volu 56 no jan. 1991
Milner, George R., Eve Anderson, and virigina G Smith. "Warfare in Late Prehistoric West central Illinois." American Antiquity vol 56. No. 4. Oct. 1991
Stoltman, James b."Ceramic Petrogrpahy as a Technique of Documenting Cultural Interaction: An Example from the Upper Mississippi Valley." American Antiquity vol 56 no 1 jan 1991
Books
A Bibliography of Illinois Archeology (Scientific Papers / Illinois State Museum,)Gwen P. Bennett (Author) Paperback: 356 pages Publisher: Illinois State Museum (June 1985) Language: English ISBN-10: 0897921054 ISBN-13: 978-0897921053
The Sacred Path : Spells, Prayers & Power Songs of the American IndiansJohn Bierhorst (Editor)Paperback: 191 pages Publisher: Harper Perennial; 1st edition (March 6, 1984) Language: English ISBN-10: 0688026478 ISBN-13: 978-0688026479
The Mythology of North AmericaJohn BierhorsPaperback: 280 pages Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 22, 2002) Language: English ISBN-10: 0195146239 ISBN-13: 978-0195146233
Indians and Archaeology of Missouri, Revised EditionCarl H. Chapman (Author), Eleanor F. Chapman (Author) Paperback: 176 pages Publisher: University of Missouri; Rev Sub edition (October 1, 1983) Language: English ISBN-10: 0826204015 ISBN-13: 978-0826204011
Paleopathology at the Origins of AgricultureMark Nathan Cohen (Author), George J. Armelagos (Editor) Hardcover: 615 pages Publisher: Academic Pr; 1 edition (September 1984) Language: English ISBN-10: 0121790800 ISBN-13: 978-0121790806
Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (Mythos: The Princeton/Bollingen Series in World Mythology)Mircea Eliade (Author), Willard R. Trask (Author), Wendy Doniger (Author) Paperback: 648 pages Publisher: Princeton University Press (January 19, 2004) Language: English ISBN-10: 0691119422 ISBN-13: 978-0691119427
Cahokia and the Hinterlands: Middle Mississippian Cultures of the Midwest Thomas E Emerson (Editor) Paperback: 376 pages Publisher: University of Illinois Press (October 15, 1999) Language: English ISBN-10: 0252068785 ISBN-13: 978-0252068782
American Indian Myths and Legends (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library)Richard Erdoes (Compiler, Editor), Alfonso Ortiz Alfonso Ortiz (Compiler, Editor) Paperback: 527 pages Publisher: Pantheon; 1st edition (August 12, 1985) Language: English ISBN-10: 0394740181 ISBN-13: 978-0394740188
Ancient North America, Fourth EditionBrian M. Fagan (Author) Paperback: 568 pages Publisher: Thames & Hudson; Fourth Edition edition (April 17, 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 0500285322 ISBN-13: 978-0500285329
Prehistoric Food Production in North America (Anthropological Papers (Univ of Michigan, Museum of Anthropology))Richard I. Ford (Editor) Paperback: 411 pages Publisher: Univ of Michigan Museum; First Edition edition (September 1985) Language: English ISBN-10: 0915703017 ISBN-13: 978-0915703012
Sun Circles and Human Hands : The Southeastern Indians Art and Industries Emma Lila Fundaburk (Author), Mary Douglass Fundaburk Foreman (Author), Vernon James Knight Jr. (Author) Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: University Alabama Press; 1 edition (February 22, 2001) Language: English ISBN-10: 0817310770 ISBN-13: 978-0817310776
Engendering Archaeology: Women and Prehistory (Social Archaeology)Joan M. Gero (Editor), Margaret W. Conkey (Editor) Paperback: 432 pages Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (September 3, 1991) Language: English ISBN-10: 0631175016 ISBN-13: 978-0631175018
Native American Religions: An IntroductionSam Gill (Author) Paperback: 160 pages Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 2 edition (September 8, 2004) Language: English ISBN-10: 0534626009 ISBN-13: 978-0534626006
Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region Melvin R. Gilmore (Author)Paperback: 165 pages Publisher: Bison Books; Enl Sub edition (April 1, 1991) Language: English ISBN-10: 0803270348 ISBN-13: 978-0803270343
The Shaman: Patterns of Religious Healing Among the Ojibway Indians (Civilization of the American Indian Series)John A. Grim (Author) Paperback: 274 pages Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (March 15, 1988) Language: English ISBN-10: 0806121068 ISBN-13: 978-0806121062
Shamanic Voices: A Survey of Visionary Narratives (Arkana)Joan Halifax (Author) Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (August 15, 1991) Language: English ISBN-10: 0140193480 ISBN-13: 978-0140193480
Southeastern Indians Charles Hudson (Author) Paperback: 573 pages Publisher: University of Tennessee Press; 1 edition (October 1, 1976) Language: English ISBN-10: 0870492489 ISBN-13: 978-0870492488
Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie: An Ethnobotanical GuideKelly Kindscher (Author) Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: University Press of Kansas; 2nd Printing edition (May 1, 1987) Language: English ISBN-10: 0700603255 ISBN-13: 978-0700603251
Archaeology of the Central Mississippi Valley (New world archaeological record)Dan F. Morse (Author), Phyllis A. Morse (Author) Hardcover: 345 pages Publisher: Academic Press Inc; First Edition edition (November 1983) Language: English ISBN-10: 0125081804 ISBN-13: 978-0125081801
Archaeology of the Lower Ohio River Valley: New World Archaeological Record (New World Archaeological Record SeriesJon Muller (Author) Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Left Coast Press, Inc. (October 28, 1986) Language: English ISBN-10: 012510331X ISBN-13: 978-0125103312
Enduring Seeds: Native American Agriculture and Wild Plant ConservationGary Paul Nabhan (Author) Paperback: 225 pages Publisher: University of Arizona Press; 1 edition (October 1, 2002) Language: English ISBN-10: 0816522596 ISBN-13: 978-0816522590
Mortuary Variability: An Archaeological Investigation (Studies in Archaeology)John O'Shea (Author) Hardcover: 338 pages Publisher: Academic Pr; First Edition edition (May 1984) Language: English ISBN-10: 0125286805 ISBN-13: 978-0125286800
Archaeological survey and settlement pattern models in central Illinois (Midcontinental journal of archaeology, MCJA : Special paper ; no. 2)Donna C Roper (Author)Paperback: 156 pages Publisher: Kent State University Press; First Edition edition (1979) Language: English ISBN-10: 0873382307 ISBN-13: 978-0873382304
Surveyors of the Ancient Mississippi Valley Modules and Alignments in Prehistoric Mound SitesSHERROD (P. Clay) and Martha Ann Rolingson (Author) Paperback Publisher: Arkansas Archaeological Survey; First Edition edition (1987) ASIN: B001OJ9EZI
Dreamers With Power : The MenomineeGeorge Spindler (Author), Louise Spindler (Author) Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc; Reprint edition (July 1984) Language: English ISBN-10: 0881330906 ISBN-13: 978-0881330908
Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley (Classics in Smithsonian Anthropology) Squire (Author), Davis (Author)Paperback: 528 pages Publisher: Smithsonian Books; 150th anniversary ed edition (October 17, 1998) Language: English ISBN-10: 1560988983 ISBN-13: 978-1560988984
The Indians of the Southeastern United StatesJohn R. SwantonPaperback: 1068 pages Publisher: Smithsonian (April 17, 1979) Language: English ISBN-10: 087474895X ISBN-13: 978-0874748956
Indian Tribes of the Lower Mississippi Valley and Adjacent Coast of the Gulf of Mexico John Reed SwantonPaperback: 484 pages Publisher: Nabu Press (March 2, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 1146369026 ISBN-13: 978-1146369022
Social Organization and Social Usages of the Indians of Creek Confederacy John R. SwantonHardcover Publisher: Johnson Reprint Corp (June 1928) Language: English ISBN-10: 0384590403 ISBN-13: 978-0384590403
Teachings from the American Earth: Indian Religion and PhilosophyDennis Tedlock (Author), Barbara Tedlock (Editor) Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Liveright (July 17, 1992) Language: English ISBN-10: 0871401460 ISBN-13: 978-0871401465
Native North American Spirituality of the Eastern Woodlands: Sacred Myths, Dreams, Visions, Speeches, Healing Formulas, Rituals and Ceremonials (Classics of Western Spirituality)Elisabeth Tooker (Editor), William C. Sturtevant (Preface) Paperback: 302 pages Publisher: Paulist Press (1979) Language: English ISBN-10: 0809122561 ISBN-13: 978-0809122561
Handbook of North American Indians : Northeast Vol.15 William C. Sturtevant (Editor), Bruce G. Trigger (EditorHardcover: 924 pages Publisher: Smithsonian Institution; First Edition edition (January 1, 1978) Language: English ISBN-10: 0160045754 ISBN-13: 978-0160045752
Galena and Aboriginal Trade in Eastern North America (Scientific Papers (Illinois State Museum)) \John A. WalthallPaperback: 66 pages Publisher: Illinois State Museum (August 1981) Language: English ISBN-10: 0897920902 ISBN-13: 978-0897920902
Prehistoric Indians of the Southwest, by H.M. Wormington. Appendix: Outstanding exhibit-sites, modern pueblos, local museums, by Erik K. Reed (Denver Museum of Natural History) John A. WalthallUnknown Binding: 191 pages Publisher: Denver Museum of Natural History (1977) Language: English ASIN: B00072U27M
Living the Sky: The Cosmos of the American Indian Ray A. WilliamsonPaperback: 382 pages Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (May 15, 1987) Language: English ISBN-10: 0806120347 ISBN-13: 978-0806120348
Prehistoric Life on the Mississippi Floodplain: Stone Tool Use, Settlement Organization, and Subsistence Practices at the Labras Lake Site, Illinois (Prehistoric Archeology and Ecology series)Richard W. YerkesPaperback: 302 pages Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; paper edition edition (December 1, 1986) Language: English ISBN-10: 0226951510 ISBN-13: 978-0226951515
Early vegetation of the lower Illinois Valley;: A study of the distribution of floral resources with reference to prehistoric cultural-ecological ... State Museum. Reports of investigations) April Allison Zawacki Unknown Binding: 67 pages Publisher: Illinois State Museum - Illinois Valley Archaeological Program (1969) Language: English ASIN: B0006C3KLS -
Read for the Vernon Library Summer Reading challenge.
This is my first acquaintance with these writers, who have written a whole series of historical novels about the First Nations. I was hesitant because these do not sound like First Nations names, but I figured since they are archeologists they couldn’t be too bad.
In this novel, the Mississippian culture, known for their enormous earth mounds to archaeologists and having a high culture that was somewhat comparable to the high cultures of the Central American First Nations, is in serious trouble. Historically the culture fell apart when a climate shift between a several hundred years’ wet spell and a drier change occurred. In the O’Gears’ novel, this is because the Sun Chief, the high chief of the Mississippian Nations, has done something to offend the spirit of First Woman, who has the power to show people to the opening to the underworld, or to bar the way; and also, because their culture, in exacting tribute from the surrounding villages, has brought harm to the local people and to Earth Mother by its greedy ways. The story centers around three Dreamers, or shamans, whose spiritual quests to resolve the issue have real-world effects, thus making this more of a magical realism/fantasy novel than historical fiction (which I don’t mind, because I love that kind of thing, but in a way I’d like to give their publishers hell for false advertising), and around two warriors in service to the Sun Chief, who are aware that he’s gone insane, and that the things they are being ordered to do are morally wrong, but who can’t see a way out of the situation without the complete collapse of their culture.
I really enjoyed this look into the spirituality of the First Nations of the Mississippi and a glimpse into their world, but I have some caveats to this. First of all, I really could have used less descriptions of the necklaces and kirtles that were worn by the first cousin of the best friend of the warrior’s wife, if you see what I’m saying. I imagine this is a fault of being archaeologists, because they think all of that stuff is fascinating, but I would have personally preferred it were left for important situations, such as what a warrior of the Starborn caste wears compared to what a ruling chieftain of the Sunborn caste wears compared to what the common people wear, and I would prefer it were kept to the main characters. I think the book could have been about a hundred pages shorter, which was very frustrating, especially since I was reading it for a reading challenge that had an imminent deadline. Second, I got a strong sense of European conceit. For instance, the authors insisted on referring to the ruler of the nation, highest of the Sunborn caste, as High Chief, when I don’t think “King” would have been inappropriate, since that’s what he was. I don’t know if this is some particularity of archaeology, in which “Chief” and “King” might have some very specific meanings, but to me it seemed like they were not quite granting the Mississippian culture the respect it deserved. Certainly the power of the High Chief was as vast and as absolute as that of any of the ancient Middle Eastern priest-kings, if this story is to be taken as a quality novelization of a historical culture; and “Chief” is certainly not what they called him at all, since that is an English word and I’m certain their title was in the Mississippian language.
But, it was interesting how small a scale we were discussing, and perhaps that’s why the particular titles were chosen. The Sun Chief could command an army of a thousand warriors, which was frightening enough that most of the surrounding nations had to combine their forces in order to oppose him. I suppose that sounds like a lot, but ancient armies usually numbered in the thousands in the Middle East and Mediterranean.
Despite my criticisms and a slow build, the story kept me glued to the pages about a hundred pages in, and it kept me riveted to the edge of my seat by the last hundred pages. Really a good read, and I learned a lot about the Mississippian First Nations besides the point. What made it even more interesting to me is that about the time I finished the book, I was travelling in and around the Great Lakes, which of course are not that far north of the book’s location; and as a matter of fact, the characters made reference to trade with the First Nations of the Great Lakes. Since I’m from British Columbia, it made it all the more immediate, somehow. All in all, an excellent read that I would recommend, and I’ll probably pick up the rest of the O’Gears’ “People” books in time. -
Historical fiction that hits home!
Having grown up on the shores of the Mississippi, I felt I could really relate to the Peoples of this story. Having a love of history and having a rich heritage of trappers and traders in my home town, the rivers are major highways and the cities that become transportation hubs for trade seemed normal. I was not surprised by the rich society that had been Cahokia. Having seen the actual archaeological site only made this story more real to me. I realize this a beautiful rendition of historical fiction, but it is spot on for bringing the real understands of the past - what made it great and also what tore it apart - rich and lively.
Again, I was moved by the characters in the story. I absolutely love NIghtshade - she is one of my favorite characters from this entire book series. Badgertail is also one of my favorites. I feel for their struggles and I resent the Sun Chief, not only for his selfishness and cruelty, but for making so many people do things they wouldn't normally do. Having been in the military, I understand the necessity of following orders, but it doesn't always make them right and sometimes it conflicts with your own beliefs.
I love the lore of the Native American religion and mythology. I love the deeper understanding I find with each book in the amazing series. I think it is a must read for anyone who loves history, but also for every American. This is our past and the Gears make the lessons of the past just as valid for our modern society! -
I liked this book very much. Solid 3.5 stars.
Characters were so well developed with an engaging story line. There are many violent battles so if you are squeamish don’t read this one. There are also behaviors involving involving rape, child rape and incest so if these are triggers for you please do not read!
So, how could I like this book? It is the story of human life in balance and what happens when life is out of balance where evil rules the current day. Good vs evil. Evil is ugly and monstrous so naturally the behaviors of those choosing evil will also be ugly and monstrous!
This book is about the journey to right the wrongs and put life back into harmonious balance. There is so much beauty in the journey! Isn’t seeing the beauty in the journey what it is all about? -
The Gears are the best at what they do, which is writing about pre-history based on archeology, creating a plausible fictional story to help us to understand the facts and thus preserve our own Native American history. Kathleen and Michael have been my lamplight in becoming a Native American historical fiction writer. They alone are responsible for peeking my interest in our dim past and have provided a window to that time and place of which they write. If you desire to see the past of our unknown history of the Native tribes of North America, I advise you to make all of the Gear's books your first choice. You can do no better. Kitty Sutton
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The Gears are the best at what they do, which is writing about pre-history based on archeology, creating a plausible fictional story to help us to understand the facts and thus preserve our own Native American history. Kathleen and Michael have been my lamplight in becoming a Native American historical fiction writer. They alone are responsible for peeking my interest in our dim past and have provided a window to that time and place of which they write. If you desire to see the past of our unknown history of the Native tribes of North America, I advise you to make all of the Gear's books your first choice. You can do no better. Kitty Sutton
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I have not been able to put this series down since I first found it a few months ago. It is written by a husband and wife who are both Archaeologists. They have written a series of books called The First North Americans, as well as each writing their own individual books. Though the stories are mainly fictional, they are supplemented by real archaeological and historical findings and facts. Very intense at moments and really sad at others, overall, an excellent read.
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This is another of the Native American prehistory books I treasure. I love how it went from the discovery of a fragile skull with a hole in it, indicating that the skull had been breached, but healed, to the tale of how that happened in the Mound Builder culture of AD 1200. Climate change started a decline and finally the abandonment of the complex fortified towns along the Mississippi river.
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An interesting ficionalized interpretation of an ancient American civilization based on years of archaeological study. The plot was good, although the story seemed to drag at times. The modern day opening was not revisited to close out the loop so, other than establishing modern-day location for the setting, that passage was a bit unnecessary. Overall an good read with references at the end for further non-fiction reading.
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This is my favorite of these books so far. But I may stop on my way back. I love that some of these books are set during climate change crises. The book is about events that happened 700 years ago and is still timely, spiritual, and a lot of fun. This story is also quite feminist, which I enjoyed.
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Really good book, I was addicted all the way to the last page. I did skin some of the war scenes however, but for the most part I was deeply enthralled!
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I especially like this story. Very complex and informative. You do need to remember that social mores do not show up in the archaeological record. Otherwise, very well researched.
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Exelent ! Again
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Another good work of fiction
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Mark Boyett has a wonderful way of drawing the listener into the story. His voices, and enchanting excitement shows the drama of this war filled story. He has a way of showing reverence to the mythology shown in the story. His way of interpreting the awe of the characters to the acts of war, passion and power.
Bagertail- war leader is remarkably wounded and fighting his own mental demons as he faces his reluctance to war.
Locus-the voice shows the regret of losses friends, and not believing the events of her life.
Nightshade is mysterious and very very scary, as Kathleen Gear would see her, the voice giving the character power that is in her words and actions.
Lichen- the voice is innocent and awed by the power she is brought to understand.
Wander- his voice makes the character contrary nature even more outstanding.
I wonder at the voice and see more of the comparison to the newer stories of Cahokia, and the stories of power for the largest city of america until the 1800's.
Review People of the River is a wonderful tale of interest built from the remains found in an archaeology dig Mississippians, who, between 700 A.D. and 1500 A.D., Cahokia people are in crisis, and starving and not able to pay their chief. A new dreamer comes to help change the world for the better.The starvation and war has made the world close to the brink of death, Mother earth has closed the door to the rain. The first woman has closed the portal to the world of dreams, dreamers are unable to reach the land of the dead and talk to their ancestors. over a decade ago Nightshade was kidnapped by Bagertail on the advice of Old Mormont, who dreamed she would lead to a new way. Old Mormont has only seen part of the dream. Nightshade has been band from Chaokia. Tharon, the Sun Chief of the sun people of Cahokia. The elite of the people of the mounds, has been up to something evil. His behavior has caused the drought, the last straw in the evil of men who do not keep the balance of the spiral. Tharon is collecting all the power objects from the Cahokia empire, sending Bagertail to raid and destroy all those who oppose him. Bagertail reluctantly does as his Chief demands, and looses his brother on a deadly raid. Lost in his grief, Bagertail finds solace in his closest friend Locast. His female cousin, and a strong warrior. Locaust is married to the Berache Primrose, third in line of the leadership of his clan. Locust is a young girl of 10 who has the touch of a dreamer. Meadow Vole her mother is the keeper of the Stone Wolf, which used to be part of the wolf bundle and connected to power. Meadow Vole is frightened and unable to dream. Wanderer Locast father, although she does not know it, desires its time to teacher her to dream. And to lead her to her spirit helper, Bird- Man (Raven hunter) the dark hero twin. Can Nightshade find the path to the world of the dead. Can someone reach the first woman and talk to her and change her mind, and save humanity. A dynamic story with many exciting adventures, battles, and power challenges.
I will be meeting John Kelly one of the researchers who are acknowledged in this book for the information the Gears used as resources for the anthropology of the book. I hope to gain more understanding of the familiar story. -
I've read enough of these types of novels to put them into two categories: phenomenal, and meh. This title unfortunately falls into the latter category. The idea is great: it's set in a time of strife when the climate was changing and the people believed it was something they had done to cause the lack of food and water- so they began attacking each other. It's set in what is now Illinois. The characters are interesting to be sure- Nightshade the priestess, Lichen the dreamer, Badgertail the warrior, and Wanderer, Lichen's teacher all add to the Native American tapestry of the time. Their way of life is well described, but not over done like some similar authors (Auel). Their culture is deftly woven into the story in a way that makes it intriguing and informative.
This all being said, there is just too much war and bloodshed. I understand that was probably what occurred at the time, but about 2/3 of the way through I was bored with the war parties, the political machinations, and all the people dying. The book dragged on for so long that by the end I really wasn't interested anymore with what was going to happen. As a study of long ago civilizations and how they would have dealt with such hard times it's wonderful- as a narrative though? It's too much of the same.
The epilogue was one of the best parts, and I really wish there was more of that. Again, the authors gave us too much of one thing and not enough of another. Realistically, the book would have been better had it been about 100 pages shorter- and I would have liked the authors to circle back to the prologue at the end.
All in all, for historical accuracy, this story is fantastic. As for the storytelling aspect, it leaves a little to be desired. -
I listened to the 17 1/2 hour audio dramatization by Graphic Audio (available via my library’s subscription to Hoopla) complete with a voice cast of at least 30, sound effects, and mood music. I’m giving it two stars for the novel and an extra star for the impressive audio production values.
Surely there was more to the Cahokia society than “dark secrets”, soul trips to the Underworld, and bloody, horrible battles. If you enjoy 17+ hours of literally HEARING heads bashed in, guts ripped out, blood gushing, decapitation, torture, rape, incest, childbirth, brain surgery (!), etc, in gory, gruesome, grizzly, ghastly and gag-worthy detail, then this is for sure the way to “enjoy” this book.
I would like to learn more about how the people lived day-to-day, but the Gears seem to only know about the many ways ancient people died or were killed, and can only speculate on spiritual practices. This is the third of their books I have read, and because I am not a fan of graphic violence, it will be awhile before I pick up another.
