Reviews

Indeh: Una storia delle guerre Apache by Ethan Hawke

pinenoodle's review against another edition

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2.0

This might be a high 2, or even a three on some days. But I just could not get into this as a story. The characters were remote from the reader, at least as individuals. There certainly is insight into the general view point of Cochise's band.

But lacking well told characters, we're left with a take on history. Having poked around (I have no expertise myself), my impression is that, in broad outline the history is good (at least significantly better that much of what has appeared before), but there are, apparently many minor errors. Granted, I really only found one person dissecting the history, and a couple more Indian sources praising it generally, so I wish I could find more historical reviews.

Perhaps I am being somewhat harsh because at the same time as I'm reading this, I am also reading Fool's Crow by James Welch, an Indian author. The book is about a different group, but at the same period and facing the encroaching of American society and government (I picked this up in the middle of that, because this is for a book club). And, I have to say, that Indeh pales in comparison, especially when it comes to the characters it follows. In addition, Fools Crow, unlike this, follows those Indians who have decided that, as much as they wish they could fight off the American government, it would be foolhardy. And that's at least as interesting a perspective (there are some bands briefly seen in Indeh who do this), and one that I haven't encountered before.

julzmcg's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautifully illustrated look at the history of the Apache Wars - how it started and why it started. Unfortunately, this looks like it was a very dark time for the Apache's but their story here is told with such emotion and starkness that you can't help but want to finish reading.

bluemoosetom's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a fascinating exploration about a portion of American history that I am woefully ignorant of. I appreciate there was a list of further reading too. This book is good to whet the appetite, but not substantial enough to really satisfy it. [b:Once They Moved Like The Wind : Cochise, Geronimo, And The Apache Wars|497056|Once They Moved Like The Wind Cochise, Geronimo, And The Apache Wars|David Roberts|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348367080l/497056._SY75_.jpg|485207] especially caught my eye.

The book does a good job showing the different philosophies and motivations of key players in these conflicts. The concerns of health and safety lead some Apache groups to an appeasement with United States forces, while others felt only a militant defense could protect the people and the land. Similarly, some United States military leaders had a more sympathetic view of the indigenous people and their circumstances, while others were far more comfortable using force and a policy of utter termination of an indigenous presence in the land.

Some of the art in this book was gorgeous, though many characters, especially some of the US military brass, were hard to differentiate.

msnicolelee's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting look at the history of the Apache Wars, beginning first with Apache tribes violent relationships with Mexicans, and then moving towards their long conflict with white settlers. The story seemed relatively un-biased, clearly portraying the vast deceit and violence caused by the American army, but also fairly characterizing the Apache war chief and warriors. There is an extensive reference list in the back of the book for further reading on the Apache histories. Recommended for adult and teen readers.

drkottke's review against another edition

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3.0

The story is stirring, and individual panels are gorgeous. Character design is flawed though, with distinctions between named characters rendered so subtle that it's often difficult to recognize who's who in a given scene. The Afterword by Ethan Hawke clearly demonstrates the sincerity of the project, and frankly admits that it's not Hawke's story to tell.

emilyadafuentes's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I really appreciate the work he put into telling a story all Americans should know. I wish it would have been more inclusive of actual indigenous historians at the forefront and highlighting the work they put in to ensure this story is passed down. Very important part of history 

lealeab5's review against another edition

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1.0

I found this very hard to follow. If a reader has no understanding about the Apache Wars, this book is not the place to start. It's violence seems almost sensationalized because the reader has little to no context as to why it's happening. The artwork, however, is beautiful.

richlizzard's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

a_a_ron3891's review against another edition

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3.0

This is probably the best graphic novel about Native Americans written by Ethan Hawke that I have ever read.

Seriously though, the stark black & white art in this book excellent for portraying the violent scenes of the Apache Wars. If you've ever seen how beautiful the American Southwest is though, you won't know the colors you're missing in the desert & rock formations of this story's setting.
This was a quick but thoughtful read, necessarily shallow/rushed as many graphic novels feel to me when they try to tell large stories. It was interesting to read this story after seeing a lot of the same ground covered in "Where They Bury You" which I read last year.

aintmisbehavin's review against another edition

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5.0

The art, the story, the history—all beautifully done. I highly recommend this book. It captures a neglected dimension of US history with respect and honesty.