Lost River [Paperback]

Paxton Riddle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Based on the events surrounding the bloody Modoc Wars, Lost River is a sweeping drama that brings to life a tragic chapter in American history...

In 1860s Oregon Territory, tensions run high between the Modoc tribe and the white settlers. While each group's leaders strive for peace, some on both sides want only blood. In this deadly landscape, two lovers--a white man and an Indian woman--are caught between loyalty and the unbreakable bonds of love.

* Based on actual historical events of the Modoc War

* A western novel that shows all sides of a well-known conflict

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Lost River, Paxton Riddle has crafted a taut and compelling novel that vibrantly recreates the clash of cultures in the American Northwest. Riddle makes his debut as a new talent of uncommon vigor. His research is immaculate, and his understanding of the time and culture rivals that of Alvin Josephy's." -- W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear, authors of The Visitant and People of The Lakes

"Pax Riddle's first novel, Lost River, is historical fiction the way it should be written. It's a gripping tale, well told, concerning a too-little-known episode in American history. You'll be entertained as you read it and, after the fact, on reflection, you'll realize you've also learned something along the way." -- Robert Conley, UKB Cherokee, author of The Actor and Mountain Windsong

"With his first novel, Paxton Riddle has made a significant contribution to the literature of this country's native peoples. He writes with a clear voice about a little-known and tragic episode in our nation's history. Lost River has the ring of authenticity and heart." -- Lucia St. Clair Robson, author of Ride The Wind and Fearless: A Novel of Sarah Bowman

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425169405
• ISBN-13: 978-0425169407
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,280,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars true history, March 12, 2000

By 

r. neube - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lost River (Paperback)

All those history classes I took in college have earned me zip in the real world, but it has made me one picky reader when it comes to historic novels. Very few pass the test. Mister Riddle's novel does. Better, this was the story behind the facts I read in school. Well done!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cinematic, August 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lost River (Paperback)

Wow, I could really see this story on the screen. It would make a great movie or mini-series. The author pulls you into Indian life and Oregon in the 1870s. Sometimes it's so real it makes you shiver. Lots of great action scenes and cool Indian words and ceremonies. Great job!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, educational, eye-opening and excellent!!!, June 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lost River (Paperback)

I bought this book on a whim as I thought it would be entertaining. Not only was it entertaining, it was educational and eye-opening. The story surrounds the Modoc Indian war of the 1870s. The main characters, a Native American women and and white man, struggle to hold on to their love for each other, while each of their own cultures are determined to destroy the other. I liked the book as it is historical fiction and based on the author's family. The details of the war are outlined in a gripping and fast paced manner. I also liked the details of Indian life and the use of Modoc words in the story. (The author provides a glossary of the words and the characters.) Additionally, the use of factual, historical records in the book was helpful. I plan to keep this book for my children to read when they are older as it will provide a view of the story of white man's western expansion that is not often found in textbooks. Well done, Paxton Riddle!