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Cherokee Talisman
They were blood-thirsty savages - superstitious, dirty animals.
They were thieves and killers who burned houses to the ground and kidnapped women and children.
They were protectors of a Nation – guerrilla fighters serving their country.
They were husbands and fathers who built homes in lush valleys for their families.
They were – the same men.
In 1775 perspective came with the color of your skin.
An orphan boy, Totsuhwa, is taken under the wing of legendary Cherokee war chief Tsi’yugunsini, the Dragon. But even under a dragon’s wing isn’t safe when a covetous nation forms around them.
Amid the battles, Totsuhwa fights the reoccurring pain of loss until he meets Galegi, who becomes his wife. Trying to raise their son in a peace the new world won’t allow, they teach him the strictest Cherokee traditions while white assimilation, encroachment, and treachery grows. General Andrew Jackson wages war against tribes across the southeast and the toll is high. With his people gradually losing everything, Totsuhwa must find a way to save his family — and the Cherokee nation — before all is lost.
Cherokee Talisman recreates the neglected history that existed when one nation was born and another almost died.
They were thieves and killers who burned houses to the ground and kidnapped women and children.
They were protectors of a Nation – guerrilla fighters serving their country.
They were husbands and fathers who built homes in lush valleys for their families.
They were – the same men.
In 1775 perspective came with the color of your skin.
An orphan boy, Totsuhwa, is taken under the wing of legendary Cherokee war chief Tsi’yugunsini, the Dragon. But even under a dragon’s wing isn’t safe when a covetous nation forms around them.
Amid the battles, Totsuhwa fights the reoccurring pain of loss until he meets Galegi, who becomes his wife. Trying to raise their son in a peace the new world won’t allow, they teach him the strictest Cherokee traditions while white assimilation, encroachment, and treachery grows. General Andrew Jackson wages war against tribes across the southeast and the toll is high. With his people gradually losing everything, Totsuhwa must find a way to save his family — and the Cherokee nation — before all is lost.
Cherokee Talisman recreates the neglected history that existed when one nation was born and another almost died.
346 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2012
4 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
David-Michael Harding
11 books116 followersDavid-Michael Harding is a life-long writer whose novel, How Angels Die, received critical acclaim. A former semi-professional football player, his writing is hard hitting and passionate. He holds a master’s degree in education and is a former adjunct professor of writing. Most of his days are spent writing from the cockpit of his sailboat, Pegasus, somewhere off the Nature Coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews
March 26, 2013
Seldom have I read a book that affected me as deeply as Cherokee Talisman by David-Michael Harding. It is written with compassion and empathy for the Native People, describing a way of life mostly lost to us in the twenty-first century. We are much poorer for the destruction visited by the European settlers in the most ignominious period of American history.
The action is vivid and exciting and Michael’s adept use of foreshadowing kept me busy turning pages long after I should have been asleep. I became intimately involved in the lives of the characters of Cherokee Talisman, sharing not only their joys and triumphs but their pain of defeat and suffering, as well. More than once I laughed, many times I smiled and a number of times my eyes were blurred by tears.
To evoke so many emotions from a reader requires a writer with a talent that is very, very rare. Talent alone isn’t enough though, that writer must have a deep feeling for the characters and stories. David-Michael Harding is that writer.
I enthusiastically give Cherokee Talisman my highest recommendation. Read it and I guarantee your mind and your heart will be touched in a way you will never forget.
The action is vivid and exciting and Michael’s adept use of foreshadowing kept me busy turning pages long after I should have been asleep. I became intimately involved in the lives of the characters of Cherokee Talisman, sharing not only their joys and triumphs but their pain of defeat and suffering, as well. More than once I laughed, many times I smiled and a number of times my eyes were blurred by tears.
To evoke so many emotions from a reader requires a writer with a talent that is very, very rare. Talent alone isn’t enough though, that writer must have a deep feeling for the characters and stories. David-Michael Harding is that writer.
I enthusiastically give Cherokee Talisman my highest recommendation. Read it and I guarantee your mind and your heart will be touched in a way you will never forget.
March 3, 2013
Few write historical novels better then David-Michael Harding!
When an author has the ability to transfer intensive research into a subject planned for a novel and then transform that historic information into a thrilling and eloquently written work, it is a feat of passion for writing and for the topic about which the book is conceived. For those who have had the distinct pleasure of reading David-Michael Harding's recreation of WW II in HOW ANGELS DIE, then this recreation of American history from 1775 to 1821 and the manner in which America destroyed the Native Americans in order to take over the land being wrestled from British colonization will not come as surprise. Here, finally, is a two sided view of what really happened during that now embarrassing and shameful period in our country's history.
The story is fact, embellished by Harding's poetic prose. It is a touching tale of the legendary Cherokee war chief Tsi'yugunsini, the Dragon, taking a little orphan boy, Totsuhwa, under his wing. It is this passage of rights and power that places Totsuhwa in a world where he must be the one to defend the very existence of the Cherokee nation against the terrifying odds of facing General Andrew Jackson. The story is powerful, enlightening, and told with the force of a spear headed right for the heart. But despite the fact that the historical aspects are so clear, it is the language with which Harding tells the story that makes it a monumental achievement.
An example of this poetic approach to the body of the work is evident from the opening Prologue: `Autumn comes late in the Carolinas. Summer willfully drags her feet which pleases some and riles not but a few, including the trees which are anxious to change their hues, rid themselves of summer's trappings and rest in the coolness of the fall.' With this element of writing Harding seduces the reader into the story that, while absorbing full attention until the book's end, will at the same time alter the conscience of this country in the manner in which our forebears won the land. There are many reasons to read this book: there are as many reasons to look forward to the next book that David-Michael Harding will be composing. He is a major writer.
Grady Harp
When an author has the ability to transfer intensive research into a subject planned for a novel and then transform that historic information into a thrilling and eloquently written work, it is a feat of passion for writing and for the topic about which the book is conceived. For those who have had the distinct pleasure of reading David-Michael Harding's recreation of WW II in HOW ANGELS DIE, then this recreation of American history from 1775 to 1821 and the manner in which America destroyed the Native Americans in order to take over the land being wrestled from British colonization will not come as surprise. Here, finally, is a two sided view of what really happened during that now embarrassing and shameful period in our country's history.
The story is fact, embellished by Harding's poetic prose. It is a touching tale of the legendary Cherokee war chief Tsi'yugunsini, the Dragon, taking a little orphan boy, Totsuhwa, under his wing. It is this passage of rights and power that places Totsuhwa in a world where he must be the one to defend the very existence of the Cherokee nation against the terrifying odds of facing General Andrew Jackson. The story is powerful, enlightening, and told with the force of a spear headed right for the heart. But despite the fact that the historical aspects are so clear, it is the language with which Harding tells the story that makes it a monumental achievement.
An example of this poetic approach to the body of the work is evident from the opening Prologue: `Autumn comes late in the Carolinas. Summer willfully drags her feet which pleases some and riles not but a few, including the trees which are anxious to change their hues, rid themselves of summer's trappings and rest in the coolness of the fall.' With this element of writing Harding seduces the reader into the story that, while absorbing full attention until the book's end, will at the same time alter the conscience of this country in the manner in which our forebears won the land. There are many reasons to read this book: there are as many reasons to look forward to the next book that David-Michael Harding will be composing. He is a major writer.
Grady Harp
December 19, 2013
Cherokee Talisman tells the story of one of the greatest Cherokee war chiefs, Tsi’yugunsini. Known to history as the Dragon he joined with the British in the fight against the colonists in the American Revolution. Not because he believed in their side but because they would not remain to take his lands. Or so he thought. He was wise to fear the lies being told by the men coming to purchase the land from his tribe; he knew that trouble was coming.
We all know the sad history of the Native Americans in this country. This book takes us into the lives of the Cherokee with their leader Tsi’yugunsini as he tries to maintain the world he has known all the while realizing that it is changing forever. He adopts an orphan boy Totsuhwa who will continue to fight the battle between what was and what will be.
This is a truly powerful book. It is very well researched and very well written. I was pulled in from the first page and I didn't want the story to end. It was not always easy to read as is the case with tales that cover dark periods in history but Mr. Harding delivers his history with balance and detail. I have not read many books that take place in this period and this is the first from the Indian point of view and I dare say it won't be my last. I do hope that the the story continues as there is so much more to be told.
We all know the sad history of the Native Americans in this country. This book takes us into the lives of the Cherokee with their leader Tsi’yugunsini as he tries to maintain the world he has known all the while realizing that it is changing forever. He adopts an orphan boy Totsuhwa who will continue to fight the battle between what was and what will be.
This is a truly powerful book. It is very well researched and very well written. I was pulled in from the first page and I didn't want the story to end. It was not always easy to read as is the case with tales that cover dark periods in history but Mr. Harding delivers his history with balance and detail. I have not read many books that take place in this period and this is the first from the Indian point of view and I dare say it won't be my last. I do hope that the the story continues as there is so much more to be told.
March 8, 2018
I was there with the Cherokee, Cree, and Whites as they adjusted to changes beyond their foreseeing. With grace and stubbornness, kindness and viciousness, humans fought the losing battle of keeping everything the same. Without hesitation, I recommend this memoir of great leaders in our American history.
November 25, 2012
A brilliant tale of our Cherokee heroes.
The author spent hours of historical research to bring forth the humanity and personalities of these people, who own a substantial share of our colonial history. He has brought to life some of the more famous Cherokees, their laws and codes by which they lived and dramatized it in such a manner that the reader is living these times with these people.
Tsi’yugunsini aka Dragging Canoe aka Dragon was one of the greatest Native Americans to have lived. As a war chief, he lived, loved, fought and died during the latter part of the eighteenth century when he was resisting the colonial settlers who were invading his area and whom he considered thieves and terrorists. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Dragon sided with the British because they weren’t staying. The Shawnee Chief Tecumseh also sided with the British, mostly in the war of 1812. The two men fought together against the settlers in the Chickamauga Wars. Dragon refused to put his mark to the treaty of Sycamore Shoals and viciously fought the settlers and men who took the land from the Cherokees and made a fortune selling it to these new people flowing in from Europe. Dragon knew that no matter what these private land buyers bought from the Cherokees for a pittance, it was never enough. These same men were just as vicious in invading Indian encampments and slaying everyone, women, children, babies, but Dragon’s war call struck terror in the hearts of all who heard it. Dragon was well respected by his people and a little boy whose parents had died attached himself to Dragon. He was the grandson of Ama Giga, an old woman who was a healer, had knowledge of the healing plants and had visions of the future. Dragon sent the boy, Totsuhwa, back to his grandmother, but when she died, he adopted the boy as his son and this young man not only became a healer and visionary, but a great warrior fighting by the side of Dragon.
Eventually Dragon died of a heart attack and Totsuhwa continued his life as before, fighting along side a war chief, but spent many hours alone in the mountains. Ever since his parents died, he had felt abandoned and he feared emotionally attaching himself to someone. Andrew Jackson, attempting to rout the Seminoles out, couldn’t find them and instead attacked a well fortified Creek fort, which held a Creek village and over one thousand Creek Warriors. He used Cherokee warriors under Totsuhwa to help him. After several hours of bombarding the fort with cannon fire and making no dent, which Totsuhwa knew would happen, took two hundred fifty of his men and hit the back of the Fort where the escape canoes were docked. He knew the Creeks would use these to escape. His men attacked and successfully opened the doors to the fort so Andrew Jackson’s army could enter. While Totsuhwa was fighting Creeks inside the fort, he came across a small hut with a little boy and his mother. He told them to stay inside but when the fight was over, he went to the hut and found the little boy dead and his mother being raped by three of Jackson’s white soldiers. He killed the men and cut off their testicles for Cherokee warriors never raped. Jackson was upset but couldn’t determine who did it. Totsuhwa eventually found a woman of his caliber and had a son.
The story continued with the lives of the Cherokees and how they attempted to adjust to this surplus of white settlers and the white man’s culture. The author included some of the loveliest descriptions of the way they viewed nature and cooperated with it. I totally immersed myself in this story to its end. It is my understanding that there is a Book 2 in this series entitled “Losing St. Christopher.” I heartily recommend this book.
The author spent hours of historical research to bring forth the humanity and personalities of these people, who own a substantial share of our colonial history. He has brought to life some of the more famous Cherokees, their laws and codes by which they lived and dramatized it in such a manner that the reader is living these times with these people.
Tsi’yugunsini aka Dragging Canoe aka Dragon was one of the greatest Native Americans to have lived. As a war chief, he lived, loved, fought and died during the latter part of the eighteenth century when he was resisting the colonial settlers who were invading his area and whom he considered thieves and terrorists. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Dragon sided with the British because they weren’t staying. The Shawnee Chief Tecumseh also sided with the British, mostly in the war of 1812. The two men fought together against the settlers in the Chickamauga Wars. Dragon refused to put his mark to the treaty of Sycamore Shoals and viciously fought the settlers and men who took the land from the Cherokees and made a fortune selling it to these new people flowing in from Europe. Dragon knew that no matter what these private land buyers bought from the Cherokees for a pittance, it was never enough. These same men were just as vicious in invading Indian encampments and slaying everyone, women, children, babies, but Dragon’s war call struck terror in the hearts of all who heard it. Dragon was well respected by his people and a little boy whose parents had died attached himself to Dragon. He was the grandson of Ama Giga, an old woman who was a healer, had knowledge of the healing plants and had visions of the future. Dragon sent the boy, Totsuhwa, back to his grandmother, but when she died, he adopted the boy as his son and this young man not only became a healer and visionary, but a great warrior fighting by the side of Dragon.
Eventually Dragon died of a heart attack and Totsuhwa continued his life as before, fighting along side a war chief, but spent many hours alone in the mountains. Ever since his parents died, he had felt abandoned and he feared emotionally attaching himself to someone. Andrew Jackson, attempting to rout the Seminoles out, couldn’t find them and instead attacked a well fortified Creek fort, which held a Creek village and over one thousand Creek Warriors. He used Cherokee warriors under Totsuhwa to help him. After several hours of bombarding the fort with cannon fire and making no dent, which Totsuhwa knew would happen, took two hundred fifty of his men and hit the back of the Fort where the escape canoes were docked. He knew the Creeks would use these to escape. His men attacked and successfully opened the doors to the fort so Andrew Jackson’s army could enter. While Totsuhwa was fighting Creeks inside the fort, he came across a small hut with a little boy and his mother. He told them to stay inside but when the fight was over, he went to the hut and found the little boy dead and his mother being raped by three of Jackson’s white soldiers. He killed the men and cut off their testicles for Cherokee warriors never raped. Jackson was upset but couldn’t determine who did it. Totsuhwa eventually found a woman of his caliber and had a son.
The story continued with the lives of the Cherokees and how they attempted to adjust to this surplus of white settlers and the white man’s culture. The author included some of the loveliest descriptions of the way they viewed nature and cooperated with it. I totally immersed myself in this story to its end. It is my understanding that there is a Book 2 in this series entitled “Losing St. Christopher.” I heartily recommend this book.
April 22, 2013
Karl May’s Winnetou was a book I loved as a teenager. It was probably the first book about the Wild West that I read and it was followed by The Inca Treasure by the same author and The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. So when I was asked to review Cherokee Talisman I was really looking forward to reading it.
A struggle for land – the Native Americans who tried to keep it and the white men who tried to take it away – this is the idea that forms the base of the story. An important figure among the former, Totsuhwa, the great shaman of the Cherokee, was raised by the famous chief Tsi’yugunsini. He grew up a witness to his adoptive father’s efforts to keep the Cherokee tribes united while at the same time trying to navigate the slippery path of the negotiations with the white invaders. Negotiations that always ended up with the Cherokee losing land in exchange for horses and silver.
The story incorporates well-known elements about the life of Native Americans – a reverence for the land and the food it gives, never taking more than was necessary, the lessons they tried to teach their young, fasting and visions, their weakness for whiskey and of course taking trophies in battle the scalps of enemies. Short anecdotes about the origins of plants and a unique way of seeing things give this book a depth that the characters lack. At times I felt like the story was not going anywhere, that not much was happening. It was only in the last quarter of the book that things started to pick up and something really did happen which propelled things forward at a fast pace. From that point I liked the book better. The end left me somewhat intrigued – picture the hero riding out into the sunset - and considering this is the first book in a series, it is a rather fitting way to leave the reader hungry for more.
My major issue was with the characters – I couldn’t really connect with any of them, it felt like not enough details were given in order to get to know them better. Or better said, some of them died too soon. Or if they didn’t die, they did something that made me dislike them – one of those moments was when a young Cherokee avenged the death of a loved one by sneaking out in the middle of the night and cutting the throat of the murderer while the said murderer was bound and tied to a tree. While I had not issues with why, I did have some with how.
It is safe to say this book was a mixed bag for me – from the very clear Native Americans = good, white men = bad distinction which made the story a little too clear cut for my taste, to the unexpectedly funny scene where things get lost in translation at the negotiations table, there were things I liked and some that I liked less. It took me a while to finish the novel – that was due partly to the formatting of the text (I read it in E-book format), and to the fact that I’m still getting used to reading from a screen.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
A struggle for land – the Native Americans who tried to keep it and the white men who tried to take it away – this is the idea that forms the base of the story. An important figure among the former, Totsuhwa, the great shaman of the Cherokee, was raised by the famous chief Tsi’yugunsini. He grew up a witness to his adoptive father’s efforts to keep the Cherokee tribes united while at the same time trying to navigate the slippery path of the negotiations with the white invaders. Negotiations that always ended up with the Cherokee losing land in exchange for horses and silver.
The story incorporates well-known elements about the life of Native Americans – a reverence for the land and the food it gives, never taking more than was necessary, the lessons they tried to teach their young, fasting and visions, their weakness for whiskey and of course taking trophies in battle the scalps of enemies. Short anecdotes about the origins of plants and a unique way of seeing things give this book a depth that the characters lack. At times I felt like the story was not going anywhere, that not much was happening. It was only in the last quarter of the book that things started to pick up and something really did happen which propelled things forward at a fast pace. From that point I liked the book better. The end left me somewhat intrigued – picture the hero riding out into the sunset - and considering this is the first book in a series, it is a rather fitting way to leave the reader hungry for more.
My major issue was with the characters – I couldn’t really connect with any of them, it felt like not enough details were given in order to get to know them better. Or better said, some of them died too soon. Or if they didn’t die, they did something that made me dislike them – one of those moments was when a young Cherokee avenged the death of a loved one by sneaking out in the middle of the night and cutting the throat of the murderer while the said murderer was bound and tied to a tree. While I had not issues with why, I did have some with how.
It is safe to say this book was a mixed bag for me – from the very clear Native Americans = good, white men = bad distinction which made the story a little too clear cut for my taste, to the unexpectedly funny scene where things get lost in translation at the negotiations table, there were things I liked and some that I liked less. It took me a while to finish the novel – that was due partly to the formatting of the text (I read it in E-book format), and to the fact that I’m still getting used to reading from a screen.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
April 30, 2013
Cherokee Talisman is another book by David-Michael Harding, who also wrote How Angels Die. While How Angels Die focused on two sisters who fought the Nazis in the French Resistance, Cherokee Talisman focuses on the Cherokee Indians who are being pushed off their land by the white people who are expanding in America.
It seems to be a trend that Harding enjoys writing books about those who are persecuted and their fight for what’s right. I like that.
Here’s the synopsis of Cherokee Talisman from Goodreads:
“They were blood-thirsty savages – superstitious, dirty animals. They were thieves and killers who burned houses to the ground and kidnapped women and children.
They were protectors of a Nation – guerrilla fighters serving their country. They were husbands and fathers who built homes in lush valleys for their families.
They were – the same men.
In 1775 perspective came with the color of your skin.
An orphan boy, Totsuhwa, is taken under the wing of legendary Cherokee war chief Tsi’yugunsini, the Dragon. But even under a dragon’s wing isn’t safe when a covetous nation forms around them.
Amid the battles, Totsuhwa fights the reoccurring pain of loss until he meets Galegi, who becomes his wife. Trying to raise their son in a peace the new world won’t allow, they teach him the strictest Cherokee traditions while white assimilation, encroachment, and treachery grows. General Andrew Jackson wages war against tribes across the southeast and the toll is high. With his people gradually losing everything, Totsuhwa must find a way to save his family — and the Cherokee nation — before all is lost.
Cherokee Talisman recreates the neglected history that existed when one nation was born and another almost died.”
Cherokee Talisman was takes you from 1775 to 1821 and follows the life of Totsuhwa and the Cherokee who are fighting for their land. This is actually book 1 in a series, so I’ll have to impatiently wait for the next books to come out!
David-Michael Harding does a great job of painting a realistic picture of the Cherokee plight, making their culture, traditions, and story really come to life.
I enjoyed reading Cherokee Talisman, but I have to say, I still think How Angels Die was more of my thing. I think that the Holocaust is something that hits close to home, so How Angels Die was more meaningful in that way.
But if you have Native American blood in you, or have a passion for Native American history, then this historical fiction book would be a good read!
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What’s your favorite book that is related to your culture or history?
Thanks for reading,
Rebecca @ Love at First Book
It seems to be a trend that Harding enjoys writing books about those who are persecuted and their fight for what’s right. I like that.
Here’s the synopsis of Cherokee Talisman from Goodreads:
“They were blood-thirsty savages – superstitious, dirty animals. They were thieves and killers who burned houses to the ground and kidnapped women and children.
They were protectors of a Nation – guerrilla fighters serving their country. They were husbands and fathers who built homes in lush valleys for their families.
They were – the same men.
In 1775 perspective came with the color of your skin.
An orphan boy, Totsuhwa, is taken under the wing of legendary Cherokee war chief Tsi’yugunsini, the Dragon. But even under a dragon’s wing isn’t safe when a covetous nation forms around them.
Amid the battles, Totsuhwa fights the reoccurring pain of loss until he meets Galegi, who becomes his wife. Trying to raise their son in a peace the new world won’t allow, they teach him the strictest Cherokee traditions while white assimilation, encroachment, and treachery grows. General Andrew Jackson wages war against tribes across the southeast and the toll is high. With his people gradually losing everything, Totsuhwa must find a way to save his family — and the Cherokee nation — before all is lost.
Cherokee Talisman recreates the neglected history that existed when one nation was born and another almost died.”
Cherokee Talisman was takes you from 1775 to 1821 and follows the life of Totsuhwa and the Cherokee who are fighting for their land. This is actually book 1 in a series, so I’ll have to impatiently wait for the next books to come out!
David-Michael Harding does a great job of painting a realistic picture of the Cherokee plight, making their culture, traditions, and story really come to life.
I enjoyed reading Cherokee Talisman, but I have to say, I still think How Angels Die was more of my thing. I think that the Holocaust is something that hits close to home, so How Angels Die was more meaningful in that way.
But if you have Native American blood in you, or have a passion for Native American history, then this historical fiction book would be a good read!
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What’s your favorite book that is related to your culture or history?
Thanks for reading,
Rebecca @ Love at First Book
August 15, 2013
As the foreword to Cherokee Talisman states, "History is written by the victorious". Nothing was more plainly clear to me as I read this book and compared what I had learned in my history classes about the burgeoning United States of America and its influence and interactions with the Native American people already living on the land and what I was reading in this book. It's a story of a proud, respectful culture being slowly extinguished and the brave members continuing to fight the inevitable outcome. This story is vicious, violent and exceedingly compelling.
Cherokee Talisman follows the changing world of the Cherokee Nation and some of its brethren nations such as the Shawnee, Creek and Seminole from 1775 through 1821. Seen mainly through the eyes of Totsuhwa, a Cherokee warrior and shaman, and his extended family members I was absolutely stunned at the various evils done against the Native American people. We see so called "American heros" like Daniel Boone and Andrew Jackson try to trick the leaders of the Indian tribes into signing away the land they had lived on since human feet touched it and, if that didn't get them what they wanted, see them slaughter at will every Native American man, woman and child they came into contact with. I was stunned at the continued attempt by the Native Americans to adapt and change in the best possible attempt to survive and retain the history and culture of their ancestors. They switched allegiances when necessary and did their own slaughtering of innocent settlers if they stepped foot on their land, but while I didn't find this to be something they should have done none of their atrocities seemed to even come close to the horror done to them.
With all the war and fighting I found my favorite parts of the story dealt with the portions within the Indian villages and the family interactions between Totsuhwa, his wife Galegi and his son Chancellor. These portions gave some much needed sweet to the tang of the rest of the story and was how I learned the most about the Native American history and folklore as well as how tender and kind these Indian warriors could be when not fighting for their rights.
Readers should be warned that Cherokee Talisman is quite graphic and violent at times, but given what is being described I think it would be a travesty against the story if it wasn't raw and vicious as was the truth. I will never look at the plight of the American Indian the same way again and look forward to seeing where the next book in this series might take them.
Cherokee Talisman follows the changing world of the Cherokee Nation and some of its brethren nations such as the Shawnee, Creek and Seminole from 1775 through 1821. Seen mainly through the eyes of Totsuhwa, a Cherokee warrior and shaman, and his extended family members I was absolutely stunned at the various evils done against the Native American people. We see so called "American heros" like Daniel Boone and Andrew Jackson try to trick the leaders of the Indian tribes into signing away the land they had lived on since human feet touched it and, if that didn't get them what they wanted, see them slaughter at will every Native American man, woman and child they came into contact with. I was stunned at the continued attempt by the Native Americans to adapt and change in the best possible attempt to survive and retain the history and culture of their ancestors. They switched allegiances when necessary and did their own slaughtering of innocent settlers if they stepped foot on their land, but while I didn't find this to be something they should have done none of their atrocities seemed to even come close to the horror done to them.
With all the war and fighting I found my favorite parts of the story dealt with the portions within the Indian villages and the family interactions between Totsuhwa, his wife Galegi and his son Chancellor. These portions gave some much needed sweet to the tang of the rest of the story and was how I learned the most about the Native American history and folklore as well as how tender and kind these Indian warriors could be when not fighting for their rights.
Readers should be warned that Cherokee Talisman is quite graphic and violent at times, but given what is being described I think it would be a travesty against the story if it wasn't raw and vicious as was the truth. I will never look at the plight of the American Indian the same way again and look forward to seeing where the next book in this series might take them.
December 17, 2012
This fictional account is written to break the stereotype of the "savage" Native American Indian, in particular two Cherokee leaders. Totsuhwa, a Cherokee shaman, is first trained by the leader Tsi'yugunsini, "Dragging Canoe" or "Dragon." The Dragon knows that the white man will return numerous times, each time committing the Indian leaders to sell more and more land and leave behind what is useless or unproductive land. Worse yet, the land the white man is really stealing is not treated with reverence. In fact, The Cherokee tribe fails to understand how anyone can "own" land that is a gift from God. When agreement fails, stronger weapons and manipulation through the gifts of material goods and alcohol weakens the Indians into confusion and surrender of all they treasure!
This is a sad but necessary tale to be told. What the reader needs to see is how the "Dragon" mentors Totsuhwa with a constant attitude of care and compassion, urging war only in self-defense. While Indians are always depicted as "scalping savages," here we learn that the white attackers often scalped, tortured and shot their Indian victims and burned homes and lands of Indians as well. An endless cycle of violence is perpetuated on both sides. General Jackson is portrayed in truth as being no friend of Indians whom he saw as an obstacle to westward expansion of American explorers and settlers.
Totsuhwa is a loving, cherished husband of Galegi and devoted father who trains his child to honor the gifts of nature, in one potent scene punishing his child for ignoring the need to return to the earth something in place of what has been taken. It is written as a fair, reasonable, and poignant exchange that the son never forgets, even though eventually he must learn to live with the white man who will always be far superior in numbers and whose ways will continuously diminish the dignity of the Cherokee and other tribal members. Forgiveness is too late but truth-telling is sorely due in this 21st Century of a people not only driven from homes but almost completely exterminated.
Cherokee Talisman is a well-written, obviously well-researched, and honest novel to a comprehensive treatment of Indian-American relationships, an excellent addition to a more fair treatment of Native American history and the genre of historical fiction.
This is a sad but necessary tale to be told. What the reader needs to see is how the "Dragon" mentors Totsuhwa with a constant attitude of care and compassion, urging war only in self-defense. While Indians are always depicted as "scalping savages," here we learn that the white attackers often scalped, tortured and shot their Indian victims and burned homes and lands of Indians as well. An endless cycle of violence is perpetuated on both sides. General Jackson is portrayed in truth as being no friend of Indians whom he saw as an obstacle to westward expansion of American explorers and settlers.
Totsuhwa is a loving, cherished husband of Galegi and devoted father who trains his child to honor the gifts of nature, in one potent scene punishing his child for ignoring the need to return to the earth something in place of what has been taken. It is written as a fair, reasonable, and poignant exchange that the son never forgets, even though eventually he must learn to live with the white man who will always be far superior in numbers and whose ways will continuously diminish the dignity of the Cherokee and other tribal members. Forgiveness is too late but truth-telling is sorely due in this 21st Century of a people not only driven from homes but almost completely exterminated.
Cherokee Talisman is a well-written, obviously well-researched, and honest novel to a comprehensive treatment of Indian-American relationships, an excellent addition to a more fair treatment of Native American history and the genre of historical fiction.
December 8, 2012
The Cherokee Talisman is a powerful story of the Cherokee Nation's survival during a very turbulent time in American history. It is an incredibly realistic and brutal protrayal of a Cherokee man trying to save his family and Nation from the incroaching white man. Harding has written a masterful tale of survival that is not easily forgotten.
As you read this book, your emotions will take you to many places; outrage, sadness, shock and disgust. The violence is so shocking at times that you scarcely believe that it could actually happen. But it did. Harding's desciptions of the brutality are explicit and gut-wretching. Through the violence, you are able to picture the actrocities by both Cherokee and white man. At times, there are no heroes, only heartless and senseless violence. And I think Harding captured that time perfectly.
Totushma is the main character of the book; but I wouldn't call him a hero. He has many flaws and does some really horrible things in name of the Cherokee Nation. However, he is honorable and he truly loves his family and his People. His sincerity is readily apparent.
The white man is not protrayed in a very good light. In general, the white characters are racist, brutal and untrustworthy. They have absolute no respect for the Native American Nations. Women are savagely beaten, raped and murdered. There are no heroes at all. The total annihilation of the race is the only way.
At the same time, the Nations are trying to desperately survive against this brutality. Are they going to be destroyed or assimilated into the new culture? It is a struggle that fractures the Nations.
Mr. Harding has written an amazing story that is only the first in a new series. I really want to know what happens next to Totsuhma and his family. I want to know how they survive and what choices they have to make.
As you read this book, your emotions will take you to many places; outrage, sadness, shock and disgust. The violence is so shocking at times that you scarcely believe that it could actually happen. But it did. Harding's desciptions of the brutality are explicit and gut-wretching. Through the violence, you are able to picture the actrocities by both Cherokee and white man. At times, there are no heroes, only heartless and senseless violence. And I think Harding captured that time perfectly.
Totushma is the main character of the book; but I wouldn't call him a hero. He has many flaws and does some really horrible things in name of the Cherokee Nation. However, he is honorable and he truly loves his family and his People. His sincerity is readily apparent.
The white man is not protrayed in a very good light. In general, the white characters are racist, brutal and untrustworthy. They have absolute no respect for the Native American Nations. Women are savagely beaten, raped and murdered. There are no heroes at all. The total annihilation of the race is the only way.
At the same time, the Nations are trying to desperately survive against this brutality. Are they going to be destroyed or assimilated into the new culture? It is a struggle that fractures the Nations.
Mr. Harding has written an amazing story that is only the first in a new series. I really want to know what happens next to Totsuhma and his family. I want to know how they survive and what choices they have to make.
January 27, 2013
Cherokee Talisman follows the story of a Cherokee family headed by Totsuhwa, a man who is educated by some of the greatest leaders of the Cherokee tribe. Later on in the book, it also follows his son, Chancellor, who grows up in a much different and much more dangerous world than his father. This book is the first book in a planned series. The end of the book gives you a taste of what is to come in the next book. It definitely made me want to read on!
The story of the Cherokees in the United States is a very sad one. It is hard for me to think about their story without thinking about the infamous and sad Trail of Tears and the brutality under President Andrew Jackson. It was a very dark time in American history and a time that is still incredibly difficult to think about even today so many years later. Cherokee Talisman explores Cherokee life in the late 1700s and the early 1800s. Even though this was before the Trail of Tears, there was still a lot of issues and extreme tension between the white settlers who were trying to expand the country of the United States west and the Native Americans who had lived in the western parts of the country for much longer. It was eye-opening to be reminded of how long Native American tribes like the Cherokees faced and fought adversity at the hands of the government and the settlers.
Some parts of the book were very hard to read just because there was a lot of brutality but it seems to be a very realistic story about what happened during this period of time and reality is not always that pleasant. The things that happened to Totsuhwa's wife were truly heartbreaking. Although this book is fiction, it is a very important read about things that are still not discussed much in the history of our country.
Overall, this is a good and important historical fiction read.
The story of the Cherokees in the United States is a very sad one. It is hard for me to think about their story without thinking about the infamous and sad Trail of Tears and the brutality under President Andrew Jackson. It was a very dark time in American history and a time that is still incredibly difficult to think about even today so many years later. Cherokee Talisman explores Cherokee life in the late 1700s and the early 1800s. Even though this was before the Trail of Tears, there was still a lot of issues and extreme tension between the white settlers who were trying to expand the country of the United States west and the Native Americans who had lived in the western parts of the country for much longer. It was eye-opening to be reminded of how long Native American tribes like the Cherokees faced and fought adversity at the hands of the government and the settlers.
Some parts of the book were very hard to read just because there was a lot of brutality but it seems to be a very realistic story about what happened during this period of time and reality is not always that pleasant. The things that happened to Totsuhwa's wife were truly heartbreaking. Although this book is fiction, it is a very important read about things that are still not discussed much in the history of our country.
Overall, this is a good and important historical fiction read.
August 3, 2014
At the outset, it is 1775, well before the Cherokee’s ‘Trail of Tears.’ This is the beginning of their strife with the Colonists who, in the Cherokee eyes continue to take more land and give back little. Tsi’yugunsini was a Cherokee war chief. His name meant ‘He is dragging his canoe’. The settlers referred to him as ‘Dragon’ as they often felt his fiery opposition in battle. He became the self-adopted father for young seven year old Totsuhwa who had lost his parents and then eventually lost his grandmother. She was a Shaman and had raised him. She taught him well how to prepare and use the medicines they needed. Dragon coached Totsuhwa to give up his fear and taught him how to fight. Totsuhwa became strong in his convictions just like Dragon. As the story progresses, Totsuhwa takes a wife, Galegi, and together they pass down the Cherokee ways to their son, Chancellor.
This is book 1 in the Cherokee Series. With tremendous historical accuracy, it journeys from 1775 to 1821. This book is rather detailed and much more gruesome than I generally read. My interest in the time period and the Cherokee culture moved me forward. The author engaged the reader with many of the Cherokee traditions and recounted several of their stories. Book 2 is Losing St. Christopher and continues onward to 1830 and the implementation of the Indian Removal Act – the ‘trail of tears’. I rated Cherokee Talisman at 3.5 out of 5.
http://www.fictionzeal.com/cherokee-t...
This is book 1 in the Cherokee Series. With tremendous historical accuracy, it journeys from 1775 to 1821. This book is rather detailed and much more gruesome than I generally read. My interest in the time period and the Cherokee culture moved me forward. The author engaged the reader with many of the Cherokee traditions and recounted several of their stories. Book 2 is Losing St. Christopher and continues onward to 1830 and the implementation of the Indian Removal Act – the ‘trail of tears’. I rated Cherokee Talisman at 3.5 out of 5.
http://www.fictionzeal.com/cherokee-t...
May 10, 2013
Cherokee Talisman is flipping great. It felt like reading a Native-American version of “The Godfather”. The Native American code of ethics (“Life is counted against Life. This is something even the ignorant must know.”) and the respect for ranks and tradition really does feel Godfather-esque. You get sucked in by some soft elders capitulating to the new Americans while others tried to hold the line against encroachment. And young bucks fighting back and others only too happy to take the white man’s whisky and trinkets for their Cherokee land and turn on their peers. The plot could not be bigger as these people wage battle for their way-of-life and their very lives. I picked up Cherokee Talisman on the strength of “How Angels Die” which all my book-club loved. I was concerned whether the subject would appeal to me but I was quickly rewarded with a really engaging tale spun over generations of Cherokee. I can’t wait for Book 2 in the series to see how Chancellor makes out relative to his Dad, Totsuhwa, and his Dad, Chief Tsi’. Harding is really good at maximizing the entertainment value (readiblity) of his historical fiction tales. I learn a lot about history but only as a nice benefit to the real treat of being thoroughly entertained reading books I don’t want to put down.
May 19, 2014
The Cherokee are known as The Real People. A Cherokee chief known to the white man as "Dragging Canoe" and his people are being asked to make land concessions yet again. This time he refuses to sign the treaty but others do sign. While at this meeting a young boy called Totsuhwa meets and becomes like a son to Dragging Canoe. The war chief gives the boy a Talisman and keeps him safe. This talisman travels through generations and many miles. Each holder of the talisman doing their best for the Cherokee people.
As a member of the Cherokee tribe, I was amazed and delighted by this book. Mr. Harding does a wonderful job of researching for his books. You can see the work that he puts into his books when you read them. Well written and such relatable characters you can't help but enjoy each one. I enjoyed the "other side" of the land treaty story. No one has ever been brave enough or kind enough to share it until now.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because this book touched me deeply. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
As a member of the Cherokee tribe, I was amazed and delighted by this book. Mr. Harding does a wonderful job of researching for his books. You can see the work that he puts into his books when you read them. Well written and such relatable characters you can't help but enjoy each one. I enjoyed the "other side" of the land treaty story. No one has ever been brave enough or kind enough to share it until now.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because this book touched me deeply. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
February 21, 2013
"In 1775 perspective came with the color of your skin."
Powerful words by David-Michael Harding, author of Cherokee Talisman. That statement was true then, and it's still true today. I don't know much about this particular piece of history, but Cherokee Talisman is a fictional but well-researched book.
Chief Tsi'yugunsini aka the Dragon wants to protect the land of his ancestors from the greedy hands of white men. Not everyone agrees with him. A deal for land is supposed to be in the interest of peace.
Read the rest of my review at: http://www.asiturnthepages.blogspot.c...
Powerful words by David-Michael Harding, author of Cherokee Talisman. That statement was true then, and it's still true today. I don't know much about this particular piece of history, but Cherokee Talisman is a fictional but well-researched book.
Chief Tsi'yugunsini aka the Dragon wants to protect the land of his ancestors from the greedy hands of white men. Not everyone agrees with him. A deal for land is supposed to be in the interest of peace.
Read the rest of my review at: http://www.asiturnthepages.blogspot.c...
July 16, 2013
This is a very detailed, well-researched book. It is a story that is not often told and needs to be told more often. I enjoy reading and studying the Cherokee, therefore, I liked the book. I can see, however, how some readers would find it overwhelming. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, for although I know the historic story and some of the characters who will be involved, I want to read Mr. Harding's story of the next years in the lives of the Cherokee and of their eventual forced departure from their southeastern native lands. Received from Goodreads. Did not influence my view.
January 31, 2014
For American Indian history lovers, this is a very detailed, well researched book. I am one of those history lovers, so I plan to read the sequels (if that's what they are called).
You won't like this if you don't like a lot of detail about day to day goings on, and especially if you don't like reading about savage killing of men, women and children on both sides. Obviously written with sympathy for the American Indian, it did tend to make the killing of a 4 year old white child by an Indian seem justified, but the killing of Indian children by white men seemed evil and savage.
I thought the book went into the Indian's spirituality very well and made it interesting and understandable.
You won't like this if you don't like a lot of detail about day to day goings on, and especially if you don't like reading about savage killing of men, women and children on both sides. Obviously written with sympathy for the American Indian, it did tend to make the killing of a 4 year old white child by an Indian seem justified, but the killing of Indian children by white men seemed evil and savage.
I thought the book went into the Indian's spirituality very well and made it interesting and understandable.
March 9, 2016
Finally, a beautiful an honest depiction of the loss of the Indian way of life. Mr. Harding delivered a haunting and yet a very real and understandable account of a time in our own nation's history that was brutal and shameful. With his gift of storytelling along with historical fact he weaved an important book that more Americans need to read and accept.
Generally I don't like series books but this is a series that is essential to understand just what the Indian nation endured at the hands of the white men. Now I will have to put a "to read" on the second book of the trilogy. This definitely will not be my last book from Mr. Harding.
Generally I don't like series books but this is a series that is essential to understand just what the Indian nation endured at the hands of the white men. Now I will have to put a "to read" on the second book of the trilogy. This definitely will not be my last book from Mr. Harding.
November 26, 2016
I couldn't put it down last night! Although there s a lot of gruesomeness, it's still intriguing and captivating and endearing, it held my attention till the end! I love the way Harding created and built up the characters and have to say I am truly going to miss Totsuhwa and Galegi. I will be looking forward to Book 2 in the Cherokee series. Up to this point I was never very interested in this genre and Native Americans, but man what an eye opener! Very well written, I enjoyed it immensely.
June 11, 2013
Cherokee Talisman tells a very thought provoking story about life in the early days of the United States. Interestingly, the story is presented from the Cherokee point of view. The vivid descriptions of the characters and their environment placed me on the frontier. A few gruesome scenes made me realize the brutality of the beginnings of our country. A fascinating read full of history, love, hate, nature and gore.
May 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the second book in the series. I knew very little about the Cherokee Indians when I picked it up, and found it to be an interesting history lesson that is skillfully written and thought provoking. It was a very quick read -- fast paced and full of interesting and well-developed characters. I definitely recommend it.
March 18, 2013
Another winner by David Michael Harding. Cherokee Talisman has well-developed characters and a great story. It's a pleasure to read such a well written book from the American Indian's point of view. We could all learn valuable lessons from Cherokee Talisman.
December 13, 2020
I almost abandoned this book twice, which is a testament to how good it is.
The first time was around the second chapter, when I felt I couldn't take the graphic violence and the unfairness of the story anymore. There were three things that made me keep going: the fact the novel is actually really good, the promise of more peaceful chapters from the synopsis and the fact this book is steeped in real facts.
The second time was when the same violence and unfairness was unleashed on one of the characters I'd grown fond of. By then, it was too late to stop reading.
I haven't looked into how many real events exist in this book, mostly because I'd rather not know if some of the worst characters portrayed actually existed. I suspect they did (I know for sure some did), but even for those who didn't, I have no doubt they were inspired by some real wastes of human space.
You can probably tell, but this novel made me mad. It is an unapologetically horrific tale of the devastation Europeans and newly-independent Americans brought on the Native Peoples of North America. It made me cry, it made me want to scream, it made me want to descend to hell and punch some ghosts... This may sound dramatic, but I'm not exaggerating. I don't think a book has made me madder.
The story of Totsuhwa, a man who loses those closest to him to the white invaders, is personal enough to offer the consequence of the destruction on day-to-day life. David-Michael Harding also intermingles it with glimpses into other native people's lives so we understand the broader spectrum as well.
All of this make this novel hard to read, but read it we should. It puts the spotlight on a part of human history I'm sure many would like to forget about, but which we shouldn't. The millions of native people who inspired the characters in this tragic tale deserve to have their stories read just as much or even more than the fictional characters that make readers laugh in feel-good novels.
The first time was around the second chapter, when I felt I couldn't take the graphic violence and the unfairness of the story anymore. There were three things that made me keep going: the fact the novel is actually really good, the promise of more peaceful chapters from the synopsis and the fact this book is steeped in real facts.
The second time was when the same violence and unfairness was unleashed on one of the characters I'd grown fond of. By then, it was too late to stop reading.
I haven't looked into how many real events exist in this book, mostly because I'd rather not know if some of the worst characters portrayed actually existed. I suspect they did (I know for sure some did), but even for those who didn't, I have no doubt they were inspired by some real wastes of human space.
You can probably tell, but this novel made me mad. It is an unapologetically horrific tale of the devastation Europeans and newly-independent Americans brought on the Native Peoples of North America. It made me cry, it made me want to scream, it made me want to descend to hell and punch some ghosts... This may sound dramatic, but I'm not exaggerating. I don't think a book has made me madder.
The story of Totsuhwa, a man who loses those closest to him to the white invaders, is personal enough to offer the consequence of the destruction on day-to-day life. David-Michael Harding also intermingles it with glimpses into other native people's lives so we understand the broader spectrum as well.
All of this make this novel hard to read, but read it we should. It puts the spotlight on a part of human history I'm sure many would like to forget about, but which we shouldn't. The millions of native people who inspired the characters in this tragic tale deserve to have their stories read just as much or even more than the fictional characters that make readers laugh in feel-good novels.
March 27, 2016
Ok so first off, I wanted to thank David-Michael Harding for putting this up as a giveaway here on Goodreads.
The premise of the American revolutionary war era being described from the perspective of the Cherokee people was perhaps the intriguing element that made me want to read the Cherokee Talisman to begin with. Having Cherokee in my family tree also piqued my curiosity and interest in this book. After reading the first section of the book (1775) however, I found it difficult to bring myself to want to read further. There were some aspects of the story that I found interesting, such as encountering Daniel Boone as being part of this business “deal” with the Cherokee people exchanging large tracts of land for silver and guns. My main problem was that I felt no real connection to any of the characters as I was reading. I wanted to give it a fair chance, so I continued reading into the second section (1790) a little while. However, I again found myself too disconnected from the characters and story to continue. In the end, I feel that this is a story that may appeal to more serious fans of history and historical-fiction.
The premise of the American revolutionary war era being described from the perspective of the Cherokee people was perhaps the intriguing element that made me want to read the Cherokee Talisman to begin with. Having Cherokee in my family tree also piqued my curiosity and interest in this book. After reading the first section of the book (1775) however, I found it difficult to bring myself to want to read further. There were some aspects of the story that I found interesting, such as encountering Daniel Boone as being part of this business “deal” with the Cherokee people exchanging large tracts of land for silver and guns. My main problem was that I felt no real connection to any of the characters as I was reading. I wanted to give it a fair chance, so I continued reading into the second section (1790) a little while. However, I again found myself too disconnected from the characters and story to continue. In the end, I feel that this is a story that may appeal to more serious fans of history and historical-fiction.
November 26, 2016
I couldn't put it down even though there is a lot of gruesomeness, it's still intriguing and captivating and endearing, it held my attention till the end! I love the way Harding created and built up the characters and have to say I am truly going to miss Totsuhwa and Galegi. I will be looking forward to Book 2 in the Cherokee series. Up to this point I was never very interested in this genre and Native Americans, but man what an eye opener! Very well written, I enjoyed it immensely.
January 27, 2022
Two years later and I’m still thinking of this series. I loved both the storyline and historical context.
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