People of the Silence : Book Review

Kathleen O'Neal Gear's "People of the Silence" offers an immersive and captivating journey into the ancient Anasazi civilization. Set in the American Southwest, this historical fiction novel explores the lives of the Anasazi people and delves into their intricate culture.

The story revolves around two main characters, Laiuna and Cornsilk, who come from different backgrounds but are brought together by fate. Laiuna, a princess of a powerful Anasazi tribe, is forced to flee her homeland following a devastating attack. Cornsilk, a skilled healer, takes her under her wing, and together they embark on a perilous journey in search of safety.

What sets this book apart is the author's meticulous attention to detail when portraying the historical and cultural aspects of the Anasazi civilization. Kathleen O'Neal Gear's extensive research is evident in her vivid depiction of daily life, rituals, and beliefs of the Anasazi people. With her descriptive prose, readers are transported back in time, gaining insight into a civilization that has long intrigued historians and archaeologists.

Moreover, "People of the Silence" delves into the spiritual beliefs of the Anasazi, emphasizing the deep connection between nature and the spiritual realm. Gear seamlessly weaves these elements into the narrative, adding depth and richness to the story.

Overall, this well-crafted historical fiction novel combines an engrossing plot, well-defined characters, and meticulous world-building, showcasing Kathleen O'Neal Gear's expertise in Native American history. "People of the Silence" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those fascinated by the Anasazi civilization.

What are readers saying?

"The People of the Silence" by Kathleen O'Neal Gear, an author in the "People" series, is set in prehistoric North America and follows the journey of Red Deer, a Native American woman, as she confronts the challenges of her time. The book has elicited a range of responses from readers. Some readers commended Gear for her meticulous research and attention to detail in accurately capturing the prehistoric landscape. They found the world that she created to be vivid and immersive, where she authentically portrayed the customs and beliefs of Native American tribes. These readers found the storyline engaging and appreciated the opportunity to learn about the cultural aspects of that time period.

However, other readers found the book to be slow-paced and lacking excitement. They perceived the plot as predictable and the characters as underdeveloped. Some readers noted that the book felt repetitive at times and critiqued the writing style for being dry. They expressed disappointment with the lack of depth in the story and felt that it did not meet their expectations.

Moreover, a portion of reviewers expressed concerns regarding the cultural sensitivity of the book and accused the author of appropriating Native American culture. They felt that Gear did not handle the portrayal of indigenous peoples with the respect and accuracy that they deserved. These reviewers argued that the book perpetuated stereotypes and failed to provide an authentic representation of Native American life.

On the other hand, some readers appreciated the book for its historical value. They found the insights into the daily lives of prehistoric Native Americans to be educational and insightful. These readers believed that Gear's extensive research was evident and commended her for shedding light on this lesser-known period of history.

In summary, "People of the Silence" has elicited a range of responses from readers. While some praised the book for its historical accuracy and immersive world-building, others felt that it was slow-paced and lacking in depth. Additionally, there were concerns raised regarding the cultural sensitivity of the book, with some readers feeling that it misrepresented Native American culture.

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