The Red Heart by JAMES ALEXANDER Thom Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Red Heart
Book Review: The Red Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always loved historical novels, and especially loved James Alexander Thom's FOLLOW THE RIVER and FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA and LONG KNIFE. It has been a while since I've read more of Thom's books, and this RED HEART was by far as enjoyable as FOLLOW THE RIVER, which was always my most favorite. I felt like I really knew Frances Slocum and Maconakwa. I felt the "spirit" in this book. It was a wonderful story, and I highly recommend it. I am about to start PANTHER IN THE SKY now, and will let you know how that was!Book Review: The Red Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful book! I had a hard time putting it down. Very descriptive, in a sense that you REALLY know the people. James Alexander Thom has the ability to place the reader directly in the scene, the time, the attitude. I cannot wait to read more of his books.Book Review: The Red Heart and Political Correctness.
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It not only inspired me to read other books by James Alexander Thom, but also made me want to find out more about Frances Slocum. It was in doing this research that I discovered that Thom had played a little loose with the facts of Slocum's abduction. I believe he did this simply to place her Indian abductors in a better light. Yes, it was a little disconcerting; but this discovery did not ruin my overall enjoyment of the book.The novel attempts to view the history of Old Northwest from a very pro-Native perspective. Thom wants the reader to be fully aware that what happened to the Indians of the Old Northwest was a tragedy and a blot on the history of the U.S. And I think he is absolutely correct in that viewpoint. However, I felt that occassionally he went a little overboard in attempting to illustrate this point. His portrayal of the differences between whites and Indians sometimes came across as simplistic and condenscending. It can be annoying since I've read children's books on the subject of Indian captivities that presented a more even handed and realistic look at racial relations- Sally Keehn's "I Am Regina" is an excellent example that shows that cruelty could be found on both sides.
However, "The Red Heart's" political correctness is a quibble that really does not deter from its effectiveness as a terrific novel. It's really well-written, and is about one of the most poignant and fascinating stories in American history. If you love historical fiction set in early America and have enjoyed James Alexander Thom's work then you will surely enjoy this book.
Book Review: Unable to read
Summary: 1 Stars
Very promising, but a huge disappointment. I rarely give up on a book, but was unable to continue past page 26 due to the author's fixation on the child's bodily functions, which I found unseemly, unecessary and quite frankly, weird. Seven, count 'em...seven references...one would have been quite sufficient, thank you.Book Review: Well Written
Summary: 5 Stars
Once again, James Alexander Thom has written a wonderful story blended with our nation's history. It is hard to put this book down. I highly recommend it.