Indian Captive The Story of Mary Jemison
by Lois Lenski Book Review by Miranda Fraser (Moses) ISBN: 0-06-446162-9 This is one of those books that they made you read in school. At least they did for us. My fourth grade class name and number is still in the cover of this book. And I actually loved this story. I have reread several times throughout my life and I recommend it to a lot of people who are looking for books their preteens might enjoy. When I searched this book on Goodreads to start getting author information together I was surprised to see it listed under fiction, as I had always been told this was a true story. After getting heavily distracted with internet searches I can say with confidence that Mary Jemison was a real person, and this is a real story. But Lois Lenski's novel would be considered Historical Fiction due to the fact that some of this is more than likely embellished. Lenski passed away in 1974, but she wrote several books and I'm pleased to say this one is a Newberry Honor Book. The story of Mary Jemison is all about a frontier girl who's family is taken hostage in a raid by Native Americans. She is separated from her family and travels with the Indians to Southern Ohio and then later to what is now Western New York. This is probably part of why we read this story in school, I am an Ohio Native, and fourth grade history is mostly about Ohio. And we did a pretty big section on Native American history. Annnnnyways, got off course there. Mary is taken captive and brought to live with the Seneca Indians. She of course is unaccustomed to their ways and even attempted to escape a few times. However, they were very kind to her and taught her about the earth, plants, their ways, animals, etc. They treated her like she was family and she became an active member of their tribe. A sister to the Seneca. Historically accurate, Mary is eventually given the opportunity to leave their tribe and return to the 'normal society' she was accustomed to. This is, again, all based off the true story of the "White Woman of the Genesse". Lois Lenski did a wonderful job with this story, as I said it was Newberry recognized, and clearly historically accurate enough that schools use it in their curriculum. This is a wonderful read, especially if you're into historical stories and or Native American information. I think for me that sold this story. I have very little Black Foot Indian in me (though my Husband is 5th gen Cherokee) but I am still proud of that heritage and fascinated with learning about these tribes. Especially because, even today, with how much knowledge we have, there are still people who act like Native Americans are simply legends or are extinct. It's mind boggling and I feel like to truly respect another culture you have to start somewhere with learning about them. And for some of the kids I grew up with, this was the first step. As always links to the author's page will be found below. Read on my fellow bookworms, may we one day have Belle's library.
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Silent In The Grave
by Deanna Raybourn Book review by Miranda Fraser (Moses) ISBN:978-0-7783-2524-6 Deanna Raybourn became a regular name in my household because of this novel. I found this book for six bucks at Kmart YEARS ago. The title of the book and the old English photo on the cover immediately made me think of Vampires. It is not about vampires, sorry to disappoint anyone who may have had the same idea as me. Instead it is a delicious murder mystery! And this is the first book in a series of mysteries that I just adore. I remember being a freshmen in high school and reading this book during study hall (and every class I could get away with). When I reached the end of it I BEGGED my grandma to take me to get the sequel. Since then I have read it multiple times and suggested it to several people. I figured it was a wonderful book the end this series of reviews. This story immediately jumps into the death. A death which, to most, seems normal. The man had health problems his whole life. In fact people referred to it as "the curse of the Greys". Even Julia Grey sees nothing suspect in her husband's death. Just the untimely calling of a poor heart. Now, the very first paragraph hooked me, "To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted was still twitching upon the floor". It isn't long after her husband's burial when Nicholas tells her he believes her husband was murdered. Sir Edward Grey had called upon him after receiving a series of threatening letters. Julia believes none of this but the nagging thought does not leave her. When she discovers the evidence herself she realizes she has been a fool. Having loved Edward from childhood to adulthood she is determined to discover who wished her husband dead. Her and Brisbane begin their investigations but the secrets it will uncover are shocking. And each one brings Julia closer to a killer than she knows. The mystery is excellent and shocking as I said. And watching Julia come out of her shell is a beautiful thing as well. She is raised in a rather eccentric family that does not completely conform to the society for the time period this is written in. And so she was raised to be as stubborn, able, and resourceful as any of her brothers. I especially adore the relationship her and her father have. Someone offered a marriage proposal to Julia when her husband passed and this was the conversation her and her father had, "He is a famous imbecile. They all are. Mary one of them and I will cut off your allowance." and she responds with, "I wouldn't marry one them if you doubled it." That kind of wit and humor is constant throughout the series. AND you haven't even really met Brisbane. He's one of those characters that you are made to dislike, he's gruff and secretive, and accomplishes a little bit of everything. But then somehow you love him. He's a genius mystery solver, has an interesting background, and some very hidden abilities. I've seen people complain that Brisbane was given too much and that it was far too unrealistic. But look, this is a FICTION genre book. There's plenty that is historically accurate, well thought out, and researched. I personally adore the little quirks of unrealistic writing that Deanna brought to this story. It's part of why it's so unforgettable. And I'll be perfectly honest, it's part of why I kept coming back for more. If you love historical fiction then Deanna Raybourn is probably the author of your dreams. Her Lady Julia Grey series is a blend of mystery and Historical Fiction. Then she has another series that also takes place in Victorian England- the Veronica Speedwell series. She has one book out, in what is planned to be a series, that takes place in Paris 1923. And one that takes place in Rumania. And in the UK they are working on turning Lady Julia Grey into a tv show, so I wait with baited breath for that moment! As always links to the author's pages can be found down below. Read on my fellow book worms, may we one day have Belle's library! |
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