Only the Wind Remembers [Paperback]

Marlo Schalesky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003

Only the Wind Remembers is based on the true story of Ishi, the last surviving Yahi Indian, who emerged alone from the California wilderness in 1911 and was thrust into the bewildering world of San Francisco society. Allison Morgan, an assistant curator at the museum where Ishi is put on display, quickly forms a deep friendship with this 'Stone Age' man. Abandoned in an alley as a child and unable to open herself up even to her husband, Allison can identify with Ishi's loneliness and fear. But the secret fable Ishi begins telling her gives Allison hope that things can be different. Will Ishi die before he can reveal to Allison the truth she was destined to hear?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Marlo Schalesky is the author of three books and a regular columnist for Power for Living. Over 400 of her articles have appeared in various Christian magazines, including Focus on the Family, Todayís Christian Woman, Decision, and Discipleship Journal.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802433243
• ISBN-13: 978-0802433244
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,802,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Besides writing books that I hope you'll buy (!), I also run an engineering firm and have recently earned my Masters degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Originally, I was a research chemist (I got my bachelor's degree in chemistry at Stanford University in 1988), but I always knew I wanted to write. So, I'm grateful to be weaving stories that whisper of grace, of mystery, and of surprise.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating tale., March 4, 2004

By 

Allison Martin "Book Reviewer" (comeunity.com) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Only the Wind Remembers (Paperback)

In the early 1900's the last surviving member of the Yahi tribe walked out of the woods into a town in California. All the other members of his tribe had either been killed or died, he was the only one left speaking his language. Yashi, as he was called, was taken under the wings of a small anthropological museum where he alternately was treated as a human being and as a living exhibit.

In Only the Wind Remembers, Marlo Schalesky takes this rather sad and unusual history and creates a poignant and uplifting fictional story. She describes the loss of connection between well-meaning people when they feel forced to live their lives according to rather restrictive rules of the late 1900's. In the end they are brought to the realization that through Jesus' sacrifice, God provides a richness of forgiveness and acceptance that can be life changing.

Although the characters are ensnared in rather sad situations, this is a gentle and soothing account. It is easy to become caught up with the stories of each individual and you will want to keep reading to find out what will happen to them. The image of the Ishi playing songs on his flute in the museum that no one else in the world will ever hear again is one that will linger with you a long time after the book is over.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Had to put the book down and have a good cry ..., January 16, 2004

By 

Christian Bookshelf "Christian Bookworm Reviews" (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Only the Wind Remembers (Paperback)

In 1911, the last Yahi Indian walks out of the woods and into civilization for the first time. Driven by starvation and loneliness, Wanasi expects to be killed; to go down the river to join his family.

Anthropologist, Thomas Morgan, is ecstatic to learn about the Indians existence. He will be the perfect addition to the Indian museum where he works. But Thomas is devastated when he arrives and finds out the Indian has been place in a jail cell where citizens come to gawk at him. Not knowing the Indians name, Thomas decides to call him Ishi. He gives Ishi white man clothes, and they head for the museum.

Allison Morgan, Thomas wife, has spent hours setting up the museum so its perfect. Nothing is out of place; everything is carefully labeled and sorted by Indian tribe. She is devastated when Thomas and Ishi arrive and they discover the museum has been vandalized. Allison was abandoned as a young girl and the woman who raised her bred her to be the perfect woman, obeying all the tenets of propriety. Why is it is difficult to obey the rules around Ishi? And why will disobeying those rules be devastating to everyone?

In the midst of dreams, a tangle of hidden motives, insecurities, and well-kept secrets, will Allison be able to discover the truth? Will Ishi find friendship? Will Thomas be able to find out who is sabotaging the museum and Ishi and why?

ONLY THE WIND REMEMBERS starts out sad. At first, this reviewer didnt think much of the book, but as the story progressed, the book became increasingly difficult to put down. The story line is impressive. Based on true events, the reader is instantly transported back to life at the early part of the twentieth century. The characters are very well developed and are easy to relate to, to feel their fears and insecurities. Their hopes and dreams became the readers. This reviewer had to put the book down and have a good cry.

If you love historical fiction, ONLY THE WIND REMEMBERS is an excellent book. The story is lonely, all the way through, and is impossible to read without Kleenex handy. But there is a truth hidden in the book that the reader must read all the way to the end to discover. There are also a lot of unexpected plot twists in this story which will keep the reader guessing. ONLY THE WIND REMEMBERS is a book for the keeper shelf.

--- reviewed by Laura V. Hilton for Christian Bookshelf

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching & riveting even for non-historical fiction types :), May 31, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Only the Wind Remembers (Paperback)

First let me say that I'm not usually a big historical fiction fan, but Marlo Schalesky's beautifully written and compelling 'Only the Wind Remembers' had me hooked from the first page. I finished it in the tub last night & finally went to bed rather prune-like I'm afraid :) but I HAD to know what happened to Ishi & Allison & Thomas, etc. I remember vague snippets of knowledge of Ishi as a kid, but this excellent novel beautifully filled in the blanks of this fascinating last member of his people. I won't repeat the plot since other reviewers on this page have already done so, but suffice it to say, this book is a must-read. I LOVED it and I must confess I don't read a lot of historical fiction--I'm more of a contemporary girl. So just imagine for those of you who devour the historic stuff how much you'll love it. Highly recommended!