On a remote cattle ranch in a peaceful Wyoming valley, in the hushed villages of beleaguered Indian tribes, among the government troops advancing through the bitter winter landscape, the time of the Snowblind Moon heralds the beginning of an apocalyptic clash between the Indians and the whites. And caught up in the tragedy are the men and women of the West, passionately committed to peace, seemingly helpless to prevent tragedy: Chris Hardeman, former army scout haunted by his part in an Indian massacre; Lisa Putnam, young, independent owner of a ranch; Bat Putman, legendary mountain man; Johnny Smoker, a white boy, raised by the Cheyenne; Amanda Spencer, a circus performer who falls in love with Johnny; and Sun Horse, a Sioux chieftan struggling to reconcile peace with freedom and dignity.
This book doesn't appear to be all that well known. It's certainly one of the best in the historical fiction genre. Also, it's one of the longest books I've read, the paperback edition being over 850 pages. The story takes place over a short time frame and covers the opening battle of the Great Sioux War when troops under Colonel Reynolds attacked a Cheyenne village on March 17, 1876. But that's only a part of a much larger story that introduces many characters, many of them quite memorable. Personally, I didn't buy the entire story and the author did take some historical liberties, but nothing too outrageous. My only real complaint was when Sitting Bull was reading a newspaper, or so the reader is led to believe (I suppose he could have been repeating words after hearing someone else read it to him, and that's the way I choose to read it). The book takes some crazy turns and really builds towards the end. However, the ending itself was somewhat less than I expected, and kind of lacked closure. Well, maybe there will be another book some day, otherwise I will just have to imagine what happens to some of the characters. Despite some issues that I have with the book, I will NEVER forget it (in a positive way). Read it during a long, cold winter.
The Snow Blind Moon
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I have read The Snow Blind Moon, cover to cover, three times now. I have loaned and given the book to many people who all agreed that it was superior. The characters are welldeveloped and real. The story of white settler and Indian has never been presented with more understanding and sympathy. Why the movies have not discovered it is hard to comprehend.
An Epic Canvas
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I'am french and bought this book in 1986 when i was student in London. I thought it will make a very good movie. Seven years later "Dance with the wolves" was released and was a major success worldwide. For all the ones who liked "Dance With the Wolves" buy this book, it is definitively better, well written and as said the Observer: Anyone with a soft spot for the Old West...is bound to relish THE SNOWBLIND MOON
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