Grade 6-9?This biography is a throwback to the sensationalistic dime novel Westerns of the turn of the century. As much a recounting of Comanche/Texan warfare as a biography of the man who guided the Comanche transition from freedom to reservation life, the book is largely based on soldiers' memoirs and captivity accounts, which are noted for their frequent biases and misunderstanding of Native cultures. Author of many earlier titles on various military topics and battles, Marrin uses that perspective here. Beginning with the abduction of nine-year-old Cynthia Ann Parker, her adoption and subsequent marriage into the tribe, he then devotes nearly half of the book to various military activities in Texas, such as the formation of the Texas Rangers and daily life for the enlisted men. Interesting, perhaps, but peripheral to a biography of a Comanche leader. The second half of the book, beginning with Cynthia Ann's (now Naduah's) recapture by the Texans after 25 years, finally turns its focus back to the subject at hand, her son Quanah. But is almost too little too late. The constant use of inappropriate vocabulary (women are always "squaws"; men are always "braves," "warriors," or "chiefs"); inflammatory descriptions; and just plain inaccurate information make it difficult to recommend this title for purchase.?Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist