Light a Distant Fire

by Lucia St Clair Robson

Overview

Threatened with forced removal from their Florida homeland, the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians took up arms. Using alligator-infested swamps to their advantage, they fought the U.S. Army to a standstill.

Unable to win militarily, General Thomas Jesup captured his enemies under flags of truce. With most of their people transported west, fewer than a hundred remained hidden in the heart of the Everglades, members of the only tribe never to surrender.

" . powerfully recreates the mid-19th century Seminole Indian Wars and the life of Osceola, who courageously led his people against unjust U.S. government policies."-Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780595474554
Publisher:	iUniverse, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/23/2007
Pages:	436
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.97(d)

Editorial Reviews

The author of Ride the Wind powerfully recreates the mid-19th century Seminole Indian Wars and the life of Osceola, who courageously led his people against an unjust U.S. government. Robson draws the reader into her story gradually with a portrait of Osceola's youth and family, which includes a couple of wives and daughters and a feisty grandmother named Fighting in a Line. The characters are authentic and substantial, and the plot, though loosely woven and slow moving at times, supplies the requisite love, struggle, danger and betrayal. The novel picks up speed when Robson introduces Lt. John Goode, a young West Point graduate. She deftly builds a relationship between Goode and Osceola, demonstrating Goode's initial perception of the Indians as savages, his growing admiration for them and his falling in love with and marrying a Seminole woman. By volunteering for Indian raids, the Lieutenant manages to steer the militiamen away from Osceola and his family. Goode's divided loyalties ultimately bring tragedy to Osceola, but the personal bond triumphs over political enmity. Robson's clear sympathy for the Seminole Indians does not prevent her from creating fictional portraits that illuminate the complexities on both sides. (October)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly