CHEROKEE AMERICA by Margaret Verble
Verble beautifully creates atmosphere in both culture and
land in this prequel to her first (Pulitzer Prize nominated) novel, MAUD’S LINE.
Cherokee America, known to all as Check, is the matriarch of a family still
remembering the horrors of the Trail of Tears and now facing increasing
pressure from Whites to sell, give or abandon their Cherokee Nation land.
Family is paramount to this extended family facing the death
of Check’s husband, culture clashes with their white neighbors, disapproval of
their employment of a former slave, their friendships across culture lines and
family ties and, finally, the betrayal of family members by whites.
The first half of the novel introduces the various family,
friends and enemies and establishes the ethnic and “national” background and clash
points. The second half deals with the
aftermath of betrayal and reads like an engrossing mystery. The cast of
characters at the front is extremely helpful in keeping all of the players in
this drama straight. The conflict and resolution are satisfying if
unconventional.
My one hesitancy in highly recommending this novel is the
emphasis on sexual behavior that pervades the entire book.
5 of 5 stars
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