Review of The Indian and Me

[Martina Sette]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Indian and Me" by Cathy DesRosiers Peebles.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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"The Indian and Me" by Cathy DesRosiers Peebles is a book about the backdrop of the American Revolution. The story revolves around Julia Townsend, a British woman trapped in an abusive marriage, and Ki, a Seneca Indian hired by Julia’s husband to guide his troops through the New World wilderness. As they navigate their roles, Julia teaches Ki English and map-making, a mission fraught with challenges and danger. Throughout the story, the tension increases as we explore themes of trust, betrayal, and survival.

One thing I liked about this novel was Julia’s life, a portrait of despair and resilience. Her abusive husband, representative of the oppressive British military authority, complicates her existence in a foreign land. Ki is a complex character, embodying the struggles of Indigenous people during this tumultuous period. Both characters show a strong bond as they feel like outsiders trying to find their place in a world controlled by British colonial power.

The historical setting is depicted vividly and honestly. It shows the hardships and brutal realities of that time. This may be difficult for some readers, especially those sensitive to historical violence and the harsh treatment of women and Indigenous people. Also, using the term "Indian" reflects the historical context of the narrative, offering a window into the era’s language and attitudes.

I rate "The Indian and Me" 4 out of 5 stars, and the reasons are above. There's nothing I disliked; I liked everything! The reason I deducted one star is that I found several errors while reading, and these could be annoying to some. I recommend it to people who are fascinated by the intricacies of human relationships set against a historical backdrop, and those who can appreciate the strength that emerges from adversity. However, because of its sensitive content, it may not be suitable for readers who find the brutal realities of history distressing.

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The Indian and Me
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[Enkay Favour]

“The Indian and Me” by Cathy DesRosiers Peebles intricately explores the American Revolution’s backdrop through the intertwined lives of Julia Townsend, a British woman in an abusive marriage, and Ki, a Seneca Indian guide. The novel vividly portrays historical struggles and relationships, offering a compelling look at resilience and survival. Despite some errors and sensitive content, it’s a strong recommendation for readers interested in historical fiction and complex human dynamics.

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

"The Indian and Me" offers a gripping exploration of trust and survival amid the American Revolution, featuring a powerful depiction of resilience through its complex characters. However, be prepared for vivid portrayals of historical violence and challenges.

[Nuella Joseph]

*The Indian and Me* by Cathy DesRosiers Peebles presents a compelling historical narrative set against the American Revolution, focusing on the complex relationship between a British woman and a Seneca Indian. It effectively portrays themes of resilience and survival amid historical hardships. While the depiction of the period is vivid, sensitive readers should be aware of its challenging content. The book is engaging but does have some editing errors.

[Gerry Steen]

Julia must have been a brave and resilient woman to have taken Ki under her wing. She stood up the the bully of British colonialism. I am sure this story will command my full attention. I do hope that the author corrects the errors. I like to have a smooth reading experience. Thank you for this informative and honest review.

[Priya Murugesan]

Your review hooked me! Would love to read about Julia and Ki. I am normally sensitive to brutal realities but I would love to give this book a try.

[Julie Marie Basil]

It sounds like this book brings to life the harsh realities of life for women and indigenous people around the time the United States was founded. I am interested to know more about Julia and Ki’s story.

[Ray Thompson]

I really appreciated the unique take on the storyline. The plot wasn’t overly predictable, which kept me engaged. A few characters could’ve been fleshed out more, but it didn’t take away from the story.

[Deborah Belanger]

Thank you for your great review on "The Indian and Me" by Cathy DesRosiers Peebles. This is a book about the backdrop of the American Revolution. The story revolves around Julia Townsend, a British woman trapped in an abusive marriage, and Ki, a Seneca Indian hired by Julia’s husband to guide his troops through the New World wilderness. Julia is kidnapped by the Patriots and it is up to Ki to decide whether he loves her enough to save her or stand with his tribe against the Patriots. This intriguing read is temporarily free on Amazon and I have put it on my shelf. Congratulations to the author for BOTD.