My Review of The Smoke by Lars D. H Hedbor

This book was an informative and riveting look at the uneasy interactions between the American Colonials, The British Red Coats and the Iroquois and other tribes during the American Revolution.  The story alternates from the vantage points.  One perspective is of Iroquois warriors who are faced with the choices of choosing allegiances in a battle that will not consider their needs as fellow human beings.  A secondary perspective allows for insight into the situation of a scout and foot soldier who is part of George Washington’s troops.

As both groups wrestle with the justifications for their reactions to one another the element of shared humanity is juxtaposed into a struggle for survival and the creation or preservation of a way of life.

The Colonials seek to separate from British rule to form a new country.  They follow George Washington’s commands from afar and seek to eradicate the population of native people to render the land safe for their new way of life.  The envision themselves protecting against a war like people and making the land safe from their influence.

Conversely, The Native People find themselves attempting to live in union with the land in small tribal units as they had for the total store of their cultural memory.  They are scattered among battles between the British and American forces who fight a war around them that is not truly theirs.  The native people also seek to defend their homes, families and ways of life from the threat to the warring pale invaders.  They are left with many choices; to join one group or another, to stand their ground and fight whichever foe come their way, to hide, to abandon their homes or to chose an allegiance that may put them at odds with other tribes.

The book offers a unique perspective on the historical account of the Revolutionary War.  It depicts the uncertain times the native people faced as changes that ultimately damaged and destroyed their way of life.