An ‘utterly convincing and beautiful’ voice for Thomas, the narrator and ‘the descriptions of the beauty of the American wilderness and the tender relationship between John Cole,Thomas McNulty and their love and care for Winona was so heartwarming.’ Comparisons were made with Huckleberry Finn and True Grit, as celebrating how human feeling can triumph over hatred and cruelty.

Some loved it, thought it was ‘a wonderful book’ ‘a brilliant read’ vivid and well-written and with unforgettable characters and ‘a reminder that American history was much more complicated and diverse than we are often led to suppose’. This was a book which seriously divided the readers in this group, for a number of reasons. St Just Monday Morning Reading Group 25th October 2021. Total score of 90.5 so an average of 8.22. Another high scoring book inspite of several of us finding it hard going at times. Well researched and a fascinating history particularly giving a different view of the dispossessed Indian tribes.ġ1 of us had read and scored it. Interesting listening to the podcast interviews with him.ĭidn't find a lack of speech marks a problem. Will definitely read more of author’s books. Having grown up watching TV series and films about The Wild West this was a fascinating insight and a more accurate depiction of the early years of the USA and its foundations. Found that easier to read as a female voice. Victims of circumstance.ĭisappointed in the ending but well worth reading the sequel 1000 Moons, as it extends Winona’s story. Vivid portrayal of the soldiers- their almost animal like blood lust, their camaraderie, loyalty and love for each other, and how war brutalises men. Scale of it all - 3000 soldiers!Ĭross dressing soldiers and Indians was interesting. Brothers in arms - tenderness and love contrasts with the visceral blood shedding and explicit descriptions. A sort of Broke Back Mountain in some ways.įound the level of slaughter unpalatable but did trigger me to read more about the place and time and history of the Indian wars and the US Civil War.įound I was confused about whether they were Unionists or Confederate soldiers at times/ Irishman fighting Irishman. Loved the portrayal of family - unconventional but still very much family with strong bonds and a genuine love and tenderness between the men despite their being brutalised by war. Wonderful descriptions of the scale and magnificence of the American landscape, the hunger, the climate extremes.Ĭhallenged preconceptions and stereotypes about North American Indians.

Loved the writing but perhaps not the brutality although felt it was not gratuitous but necessary. Some comments from Hythe Remainers Book Group:

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