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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
History brought to vivid life., May 21, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Cries from the Earth : The Outbreak of the Nez Perce War and the Battle of White Bird Canyon June 17, 1877 ( The Plainsmen Series ) (Mass Market Paperback)
Terry C. Johnston makes the Indian Wars come to life in his novels, injecting a human element and action into stodgy historical fact. He's done it again in this first volume of his projected trilogy covering the Nez Perce war. While this is included in his Plainsman series, regular readers may be disappointed that his hero Seamus Donegan is nowhere to be found in this first novel. And this is what puts Terry at the top of the heap among historical novelists--he refuses to inject his character in a story where realistically he cannot be. When we last saw Seamus, he was still involved in the Lakota/Cheyenne wars down in Wyoming and Montana. It would be physically impossible, and a transparent writer's ploy to put him in Idaho for the sake of keeping Seamus the focus. Too many writers have their main character involved in every frontier fracas possible. But Terry sticks to history melded to crackling good adventure. "Cries From the Earth" sheds light on the long-ignored start of the Nez Perce conflict, and doesn't sugarcoat the facts. There is NO political correctness in this volume, my friend. Terry stays true to the times and the attitudes and foibles of all the participants of this shameful chapter in our history. If you think you know all about the Nez Perce conflict, think again. Terry C. Johnston has read all the histories, talked to all the experts, and he has read between the lines of these volumes and words. He has a practiced knowledge of the frontier, and reaches conclusions based on common sense that others have lacked. Read "Cries From the Earth" and learn, friends. And be entertained as well. A master Storyteller has written!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The blood that cried for vengence, August 27, 2005
This review is from: Cries from the Earth : The Outbreak of the Nez Perce War and the Battle of White Bird Canyon June 17, 1877 ( The Plainsmen Series ) (Mass Market Paperback)
The history of the Nez Perce Indians has been one of my favorite study and reading topics for many years. So, it is only natural that I read, and enjoyed, "Cries From the Earth". I think I learned more new important and intriguing details in reading this novel than any other book on the subject.
My only criticism is simply that I felt the story would have been more interesting to me if it were presented in more of a non-fiction documentary format than in the novel format. Many people, perhaps most, will disagree with me--it is just a matter of personal taste.
Be warned that Terry C. Johnston depicts history exactly as he sees it. His vision is probably as accurate as anyone's too, as it is based on a huge amount of research. Furthermore, he doesn't concern himself with trying to be politically correct. Readers who are only casually familiar with this history may encounter some unpleasant revelations.
As good as the book itself was, for me the best part was actually the Afterword in which the author describes some of his experiences, insights, and thoughts that he had while doing on-site research for this book. I wished the whole story had been told by the author in the same way.
This is the first Terry C. Johnston book that I have read. I am looking forward to reading others. I highly recommend this book.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative, a touch of history unknown to many, Book 2?, April 14, 1999
This review is from: Cries from the Earth : The Outbreak of the Nez Perce War and the Battle of White Bird Canyon June 17, 1877 ( The Plainsmen Series ) (Mass Market Paperback)
So many of us use US 95 and drive down the White Bird Pass and only take a second glance at the monument and what has transpired. Terry Johnston has taken a somewhat unknown battle and if all of his fans take the time to read the novel and assorted readings, I think you will find US 95 a busy tourist area. I hike in the Salmon river country since 1972. Every year I head down White Bird Pass and quickly look at the monument and drive on. I am looking forward this year to one week in this area to walk the hills and drink in the atmosphere that Terry has done again. Looking forward to the second book.
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