Storykeeper
“Remember this,” he said, “once told, a story is never lost.”
1541 and the Spanish are sweeping across eastern Arkansas, claiming land and spreading disease. For one Native American tribesman, coming into contact with the invaders brings a world of opportunity, power, devastation and a new religion. In his wake, Manaha, who is reaching the end of her life, is driven by a vision in a dream to bring Taninto’s story to her people, before all is lost. But who will listen when she is surrounded by those who refuse to believe their lives will change? The story must be told, and that job falls to the Storykeeper.
Storykeeper is a stunning novel and a joy to read. It takes a master artist to create a picture of such perfect detail that it looks like a photograph. Smith paints this amazing picture with words, and indeed is himself a storykeeper. To translate a culture that is unfamiliar with such accuracy and poetry is a great achievement.
Jam-packed with a wealth of well-researched historical content, there is a genuine and realistic feel to the text, and a close-up view of the culture of the Native people who populated the Americas.
I was not only entertained by this book, but educated about a period of history of which I knew nothing. I loved the chapter structure which has a rhythm of its own, all wrapped in an attractive and appropriate cover. I have no hesitation in recommending this book no matter where your historical interest may lie. I give it 5 stars!
