Cheyenne Summer

by Vella Munn

Published by Forge

366 pages, 2001


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Chaotic Summer

Reviewed by Lynne Remick

 

The saga of the Native American Indian remains a sad but fascinating chapter in America's history. Their customs and beliefs continues to amaze and intrigue me. The undying pride of the Indian Nation still blazes. Above all, the plight of these peoples through oppression and hunger proves universal and timely. So, of course, when presented with the opportunity to review a historical fiction treatment of the lives of the Cheyenne prior to the European invasion, I seized the chance.

Cheyenne Summer is presented as historical fiction, yet I could not shake the romance fiction feel of the title, expecting a sudden flare of passion as I rode the distance. It would be a long time before I encountered this type of romantic interlude, and when it arrived, it would not be what I expected. I can't help but feel that perhaps a more apt title might have better settled me in for the ride. On the other hand, some romance might have eased me over the dry spots.

Focusing for the most part, on the lives of four unmarried Native American Indians -- women "Seeks Fire" and "Touches the Wind" and men "Great Bear" and "Lone Hawk"--Cheyenne Summer follows their tribe through a killing drought, hunger, buffalo hunts, Pawnee raids, fire and other natural dangers. Through emotional and/or physical strength some of the tribe will continue the existence of the Cheyenne. But will only the strong survive?

From the beginning, the presence of four main characters makes it continuously difficult to keep track of each one's actions, thoughts and motivations. After a while it becomes clear that reader/character intimacy is not achievable in this novel, given the fact that the book deals with so many characters all in close proximity.

At first, the unfamiliarity of the names and many characters renders the story confusing. However, once the main characters are firmly placed in the reader's mind, secondary characters [Knows No Fear, Follower, Walking Rabbit, Little Bird, Calf Woman, Sweet Grass Eater, Nightelk, Two Coyotes, Long Chin, Wooden Legs, Jumps Like Ants, Kicked by Horse, Last Runner, Wolf Robe, Easy Singer, Rich in Hides, Sweet Medicine, Stands in Timber, White Hair and so on], their importance or lack of same continue to render confusion. A horse named "Legs Like Lightning" and a dog named "Black Eyes" also serve, at times, as sources of pause. In many places, I often had to re-read selected text to get my bearing on who the players were in the scene.

The distinct culture of the Native American Indian first drew me to this book, and kept me connected with it:

"Come in," Walking Rabbit said and shuffled back.

As women always did when entering a teepee, she turned to the left. Then she spotted Porcupine ... Porcupine remained motionless, naked except for the covering the medicine man had put over his wound. "What does Easy Singer say?" she asked. "What more is he going to do?"

"He promised to return this morning." Walking Rabbit's voice sounded flat. "However, he told me my husband's tasoom has left him. If it does not return..."

No one could live without a tasoom, the body's spiritual essence. Sometimes a tasoom left an injured body, the shadow or shade traveling to a place of renewal. Many times it returned energized and able to keep life in the body. But sometimes..."

"Do not talk of that." Seeks Fire started to stand, then settled back beside her brother. "My heart remains full of hope and good thoughts. It will not hear talk of..." She leaned forward and covered Porcupine's chest with her own. "I will protect him."

While I did enjoy this bird's eye view of interpersonal relationships in a Cheyenne village, I remained an outsider. I might have enjoyed becoming more a part of any one of the characters, had the opportunity surfaced.

Fascinated by Native Americans, past and present, Vella Munn has written many books on the subject, including Blackfeet Season, Soul of the Sacred Earth, Spirit of the Eagle, Seminole Song and others. She became intrigued by the belief systems, legends, and lifestyles and portrays these cultural imprints in her writing. These aspects comprised what is, in my opinion, the best part of Cheyenne Summer.

Though my journey through this book was not easy, I arrived at story's end somewhat satisfied. Although the characters had not taken hold of me, bits of Indian legend and folklore did. With that in mind, the journey was not a failure. | August 2001

 

An avid reader, established reviewer and writer of poetry, non-fiction, fiction, historical romance and children's books, Lynne Remick can always be found with a book in her hand. She lives in New York with her fiancé Michael, her son Kevin, her Schipperke Dante, a feral cat named Sahara and a spoiled hedgehog named Nike. There, in a little house once owned by her great grandparents, she reads, writes stories, book reviews, writing columns and poetry.