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tmleblanc's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, this is a beautifully written novel. I feel that Stephens captured the culture of the Native Americans in the mid to late 1800s. With little knowledge of the political struggles between England and France that caused Danielle's family to become destitute, Canadian history and Native American history, I felt like an observer through the entire novel--just barely understanding the magnitude of Danielle and Shadow Song's struggles. As a result, it was hard to connect and feel a part of the story.
In the end, during the afterward, it was disappointing that the real historical event of this novel plays such a minor part in the story.
I received a copy of this book via the Early Reviewers program on LibraryThing.com.
In the end, during the afterward, it was disappointing that the real historical event of this novel plays such a minor part in the story.
I received a copy of this book via the Early Reviewers program on LibraryThing.com.
imjustmea's review against another edition
4.0
In this haunting tale, Lorina Stephens tells the story of Danielle Michelle Fleming. Danielle, orphaned at a young age, is sent to the wilds of Upper Canada to live with her uncle who is the cause of her family's misfortune. She meets Shadow Song, a shaman or medicine man, who helps her escape from her uncle. With Shadow Song, Danielle learns to connect and embrace the world of dreams and spirits she was always told to fear. Danielle and Shadow Song make a life together but they are a forever trying to evade Danielle's uncle and others seeking revenge.
The book is beautifully written and it evokes the wonderful scenery and harsh conditions that native Canadians and European settlers lived in. I found the ending heartbreaking. Danielle feared her dreams (nightmares) because they became real and I wondered if her acceptance of her tragic ending meant that she knew what was coming.
The book is beautifully written and it evokes the wonderful scenery and harsh conditions that native Canadians and European settlers lived in. I found the ending heartbreaking. Danielle feared her dreams (nightmares) because they became real and I wondered if her acceptance of her tragic ending meant that she knew what was coming.
oliviab22's review against another edition
3.0
Starting this book, I had no idea it would end up where it did. Lorina Stephens did a wonderful job crafting this book, taking us on a lifelong journey of little Danielle. While the actual historical event the book is based off has little to do with the story, it serves as a wonderful starting ground, a brainstorm-ready event that falls into place seamlessly.
While I did not quite understand the intensely deep hatred for Danielle, her family, and Shadow Song by the uncle—was he just an insanely bitter man? A hateful drunk driven by insanity to incessantly torment?—I allowed that to slip me in order to enjoy the other characters and their stories.
Stephens had some wonderful word choices that caught me off guard, wrote imagery that furthered the story rather than embellished, and built suspense with clever foreshadowing.
While some traditional, more conservative modern Native Americans may shake their heads at what some may see as an inaccurate description of their ways and the supernatural, I instead felt immense respect for the feelings and beliefs. As a young native woman growing without much guidance, the emotion behind the writing describes to me what my ancestors felt. Simply felt. That is something I cannot learn entirely on my own.
I spotted a few editing errors, but they did not take me out of the reading… too much. :)
I plan on adding other Lorina Stephens books to my collection as soon as possible!
While I did not quite understand the intensely deep hatred for Danielle, her family, and Shadow Song by the uncle—was he just an insanely bitter man? A hateful drunk driven by insanity to incessantly torment?—I allowed that to slip me in order to enjoy the other characters and their stories.
Stephens had some wonderful word choices that caught me off guard, wrote imagery that furthered the story rather than embellished, and built suspense with clever foreshadowing.
While some traditional, more conservative modern Native Americans may shake their heads at what some may see as an inaccurate description of their ways and the supernatural, I instead felt immense respect for the feelings and beliefs. As a young native woman growing without much guidance, the emotion behind the writing describes to me what my ancestors felt. Simply felt. That is something I cannot learn entirely on my own.
I spotted a few editing errors, but they did not take me out of the reading… too much. :)
I plan on adding other Lorina Stephens books to my collection as soon as possible!
mkpatter's review against another edition
4.0
It's an engaging and enjoyable story, but for a book that was supposedly proof read by at least two people there are a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes, particularly missed punctuation, which is kind of a pet peeve of mine. Still a good book though! Thanks to the publisher and goodreads giveaways for sending me a free copy.
michaelrfletcher's review
5.0
Historical fiction is not my usual reading material; I tend more towards SF/F and rarely wander from those genres. I did not expect a story written from (initially) a very young female character's POV to hook me. Once I started, however, I had trouble putting it down. The writing is absolutely gorgeous. How Lorina Stephens achieved such beautiful language and yet still managed to keep it unobtrusive is a mystery.
Fans of historical fiction should definitely give this a read.
Fans of historical fiction should definitely give this a read.
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