Cedar Woman

by Debra Shiveley Welch

Overview

Winner of the Best Native American Fiction Award 2011, Cedar Woman is a powerful book filled with courage, romance and the beliefs, ceremonies and language of the Lakota Sioux.

Travel with her to Columbus, Ohio as she rebuilds her life, and the lives of her family. Join her in the sweat lodge as she follows Zitka Mine to the fifth step of the edge of the world to find her father's soul.

Join her at powwow where she meets her half side. Consultant Julie Spotted Eagle Horse, descendant of Chief Spotted Eagle and Crazy Horse.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940149545933
Publisher:	Red Road Books
Publication date:	04/12/2014
Series:	The Cedar Woman Saga , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	180
File size:	675 KB

About the Author

When Tankse (elder sister) approached me about writing a novel from a Native American woman's point of view, I had serious reservations. Too often we, as Native people, are romanticized or stereotyped into the same tired versions of what people think we are, the "forgotten people" or "forgotten race", because so many fall for the stereotypes of us often portrayed in Hollywood movies, sports team mascots, and history books, not realizing that we are still here. We are over 500 culturally and linguistically distinct nations strong. We are still here - and still dancing.

So when asked if I was okay with her writing the book, and if I would act as a consultant, I had to pray to decide if such a project should go forward and if I felt worthy of adding my voice to such a project. Finally I talked over my fears with Debra, my brother and "Spiritual Advisor" Joe Red Bear, ultimately deciding to participate.

In Cedar Woman, Debra has bypassed a lot of the usual hype and BS often associated with Native culture, producing an honest, clear eyed look at who we really are, albeit through a fictional character. She deliberately decided to not show the darker side of our culture: something I appreciate!

I especially love how thorough she was in researching the subject matter, and I deeply admire her dedication to giving a more realistic look into our culture, including much of our Lakota language and several of our favorite recipes!

While I realize that, unless you have lived as a Native, either on or off the rez, you will never completely understand what it is to be Native. I think that Debra has a pretty good handle on who and what we as Native people are really about. And, thankfully, she did not rely on just my voice alone. The resulting story is one I am proud to say I was a part of, and I am proud to call her my "Sister By Choice".

Hecetu welo, mitakuye oyapi.
I have spoken, it is so. I am finished.

Mitakuye oyasin, all my relations.
Julie Spotted Eagle Horse Martineau

Editorial Reviews

Cedar Woman, a tale of Native Americans trying to live in a somewhat traditional manner in today's world.
I was captivated by the story, the traditions and descriptions of powwows and ceremonies.
Recipes are included at the end of the book as well as a glossary to explain words from the Sioux language.

Amazon - Majikmom *

I am not sure I have used the word enthralled to describe how I felt about a book in a very long time but in this case it is an understatement. I loved it, I didn't want it to end and I will miss these characters.

I, like many women, am so excited when I find a book with the story of a woman who is strong, captivating and intelligent.

Karen Doering

This story gives you a look at a love story from a cultural perspective that you may not even realize exists.

The one thought that came over and over as I read was that this book is "The Notebook" for a Native American audience. Having enjoyed some wonderful films that I would have missed otherwise, I can attest to the striking difference in films from and about the Native Americans and our own. This story is ripe for a Native film maker to scoop up.

Brutally Honest Book Reviews - T.W. Brown

Cedar Woman is a well-written piercing piece of work that moved me deeply. From the first pages I became a part of the landscape and unique storyline. It was impossible not to fall in love with the characters and the setting. This beautiful heart-wrenching story about love, loss, family, commitment and life pulled me in and touched my heart.

"She felt as in a dream - as if she were walking in slow motion, or wading through deep water...

Amazon - brenda *

This is a very complex historical fiction Native American novel. It is well-researched and rich in description. I love historical fiction and I love learning about different cultures through this genre. I thought I knew a lot about Native American culture, but I learned so much more in the context of a beautiful storyline.

Amazon - Anne M. Slanina