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Seeds of Deception: A lie could hurt. So could the truth.
A clash between Cherokee Indians and their former African slaves comes to a head in the tribal town of Feather Falls. On the same day Sput Louie McClendon is evicted by reviled town tycoon Goliah Lynch, her husband mysteriously vanishes. Has he fallen prey to bushwhackers or timber thieves? Or is Lynch behind his disappearance? Alone and desperate, Sput Louie turns to town elder Two Bird for help, but with a rift developing between Indians and Negroes, are his intentions pure? As Sput Louie's frantic search for her husband intensifies, she stumbles onto a dark twisted family secret—one that could not only have devastating implications for her, but the entire town of Feather Falls.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2019
27 people are currently reading
1409 people want to read
About the author
Arlene L. Walker
1 book26 followersArlene L. Walker is of African-American and Native American heritage. She is a graduate of UCLA Extension Writers' Program and is a winner of the PEN USA CASP Award as well as a finalist in the 2011 PEN Emerging Voices Fellowship. Her fiction and non-fiction have appeared in A Letter For My Mother, WOW-Women On Writing. Ms. Walker resides in Southern California where she is currently at work on her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 27, 2021
As author Arlene Walker's main character, Sput McClendon states: "God gives us all a song. My, how this one changes his tune" — a beautiful summation of how unraveling secrets can profoundly reshape an individual's self-perception and (in)tolerance.
Life, as it is, in the town of Feather Falls within the Cherokee Nation of the post-1860s seems to have settled into a hardscrabble existence, with a social order little changed from slave-holding times. Fear and oppression run rampant, land hustlers and greedy folks lurk nearby, and the social order of a mixed Indian, black, and white society simmers like a pot about to boil (and still boils to this day).
Sput McClendon, a black woman with a clouded past, and her husband, Benjamin, are on the cusp of eking out a less than hard life on their farm when Benjamin's greedy father evicts them off the land. This cruel act, the latest of many, sets in motion a tearing apart of a family's tapestry of secrets with profound and devastating impacts on those involved. No one is left unscathed. But Sput McClendon endures. A tough mother of four and survivor of both the harshest of winters and the worst of slavery, she relentlessly pursues the truth regardless of where it takes her.
Delving deep into the dynamics of family, race, gender, and parenthood, the author impresses the reader at every turn by keeping the reader guessing on what happens next.
Check it out.
Life, as it is, in the town of Feather Falls within the Cherokee Nation of the post-1860s seems to have settled into a hardscrabble existence, with a social order little changed from slave-holding times. Fear and oppression run rampant, land hustlers and greedy folks lurk nearby, and the social order of a mixed Indian, black, and white society simmers like a pot about to boil (and still boils to this day).
Sput McClendon, a black woman with a clouded past, and her husband, Benjamin, are on the cusp of eking out a less than hard life on their farm when Benjamin's greedy father evicts them off the land. This cruel act, the latest of many, sets in motion a tearing apart of a family's tapestry of secrets with profound and devastating impacts on those involved. No one is left unscathed. But Sput McClendon endures. A tough mother of four and survivor of both the harshest of winters and the worst of slavery, she relentlessly pursues the truth regardless of where it takes her.
Delving deep into the dynamics of family, race, gender, and parenthood, the author impresses the reader at every turn by keeping the reader guessing on what happens next.
Check it out.
June 25, 2019
While historical fiction isn’t it a genre I read often, I found myself drawn into the pages of Seeds of Deception. The characters range the spectrum from good-hearted to callous and you’ll definitely find a villain you’ll love to hate. The story’s historical aspect is one you’ve probably never heard before, which makes Seeds of Deception educational as well as entertaining. The author is also a gifted writer who paints the pages with creative descriptions. I enjoyed it and I’m sure you will too!
June 12, 2019
I'm so envious of everyone who hasn't read Arlene Walker's forthcoming novel yet. I wish I could go back and meet her characters all over again. I haven't stopped thinking about their stories yet. Seeds of Deception is easily one of my favorite reads this year.
March 3, 2020
As a whole I liked Seeds of Deception. It's a book with a fantastic motley crew of characters. Its storyline is very different from what I've been reading lately - Cherokee Indians and their former slaves fighting for land. The book isn't too long but there is something about the writing that I had trouble with. Actually I think it's the pacing. It's a bit slow. I also feel there was too much effort put into details and that took away from the story. This being said I I still liked it and enjoyed Sput Louie and all the other characters so much. I was sad to see them go at the end.
At the end of this novel Arlene L. Walker explains how she began writing Seeds of Deception. As she said we only really start wondering about our parents' stories when it's too late. I'm happy that she was inspired by Toni Morisson's line "write the book you want to read.". After researching her mother's lineage which is linked to Native American of Creek and Cherokee descent and her African-American father's lineage which was difficult to follow because of slavery, all of this led her to writing this quirky, historical fiction novel with great setting and memorable special characters.
At the end of this novel Arlene L. Walker explains how she began writing Seeds of Deception. As she said we only really start wondering about our parents' stories when it's too late. I'm happy that she was inspired by Toni Morisson's line "write the book you want to read.". After researching her mother's lineage which is linked to Native American of Creek and Cherokee descent and her African-American father's lineage which was difficult to follow because of slavery, all of this led her to writing this quirky, historical fiction novel with great setting and memorable special characters.
January 14, 2020
Pretty quick page-turner, but goes into deep emotional territory. Super descriptive and vivid. Was the best book that my book club has selected in quite awhile.
July 12, 2019
Walker has created a delicious blend of historical fact and fiction. She weaves her tale of a family dealing with the consequences of secrets in the setting of post-Civil War slave emancipation. This story is also part of the bigger, but mostly untold story of the relationship of Freedmen and the Cherokee tribe. It's a compelling, well written story and an enlightening window into a world of which few people are aware.
I loved the strength and resiliency of the main character, Sput Louie. And I was excited to follow her journey to unravel the mystery of the "gift" left for her by her missing husband. I was humbled by the struggles of the Freedmen as the nations of White men and Native Americans began to come to terms with the changes to their world.
I loved the strength and resiliency of the main character, Sput Louie. And I was excited to follow her journey to unravel the mystery of the "gift" left for her by her missing husband. I was humbled by the struggles of the Freedmen as the nations of White men and Native Americans began to come to terms with the changes to their world.
February 19, 2021
Sput Louie, a headstrong woman who belongs to the Cherokee community lives with her husband and children. One day the whole family is asked to leave the farm owned by Goliah Lynch (Old Crow). Desperate about how are they going to find refuge again, the family begins searching for a shelter. And meanwhile, Sput's husband, Benjamin, disappears. He leaves behind some clues for her although. Thus begins a search by Sput.
Is someone behind his going missing or has he left his family due to some reason?
What's Old Crow's role behind this?
My thoughts:
When the story started I had a hard time grabbing it because the language of the Colored people was something new which I tried this time. But as I progressed I was more and more hooked to the story. I got to learn a lot about the Cherokee community and slavery after Civil War. This was the first time I was reading a book on slavery and at few points, I was dumbstruck and sad by the oppression of the slaves. I have a favorite woman character now and she's Sput.
I am a huge fan of the historical fiction genre and I am glad I got to read this book.
By the end of the book, I was completely mesmerized by the story and wanted to know more about this community and had to Google it.
The only drawback was the language of the book or the style by which it is written. Apart from this, it is a must-read book by all the lovers of historical fiction or if you have a general interest in history.
Is someone behind his going missing or has he left his family due to some reason?
What's Old Crow's role behind this?
My thoughts:
When the story started I had a hard time grabbing it because the language of the Colored people was something new which I tried this time. But as I progressed I was more and more hooked to the story. I got to learn a lot about the Cherokee community and slavery after Civil War. This was the first time I was reading a book on slavery and at few points, I was dumbstruck and sad by the oppression of the slaves. I have a favorite woman character now and she's Sput.
I am a huge fan of the historical fiction genre and I am glad I got to read this book.
By the end of the book, I was completely mesmerized by the story and wanted to know more about this community and had to Google it.
The only drawback was the language of the book or the style by which it is written. Apart from this, it is a must-read book by all the lovers of historical fiction or if you have a general interest in history.
February 9, 2022
"Sput likened freedmen to frogs trapped at the bottom of a well, unable to get out and move on with their lives."
Seeds of Deception is a beautifully lyrical novel. In Arlene L. Walker's author's note, she mentions Toni Morrison and it's obvious from Walker's prose that she's a student of Morrison's. It's not a book to read quickly, but rather to savor. It's a wonderfully unique story and I felt as if I could hear Sput Louie talking to me as I read. While I was totally immersed in the story, I couldn't help but to think about the amount of research the author must have done. It was beyond impressive. If you love historical fiction, if you love stories about the hidden parts of America, if you've vowed to read books by Black women this year, please do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Seeds of Deception is a beautifully lyrical novel. In Arlene L. Walker's author's note, she mentions Toni Morrison and it's obvious from Walker's prose that she's a student of Morrison's. It's not a book to read quickly, but rather to savor. It's a wonderfully unique story and I felt as if I could hear Sput Louie talking to me as I read. While I was totally immersed in the story, I couldn't help but to think about the amount of research the author must have done. It was beyond impressive. If you love historical fiction, if you love stories about the hidden parts of America, if you've vowed to read books by Black women this year, please do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
January 15, 2021
I’ve always loved history, all types of history but especially the history of African Americans because their story was often left out of mainstream history books.
Arlene L. Walker has created a fascinating blend of historical fact and fiction in Seeds of Deception.
I was absolutely drawn-in following the McClendon family’s journey through life during post Civil War slave emancipation.
The characters were developed beautifully; I could picture them in my minds eye.
Native American slave owners and their interactions with former slaves, family secrets, suspense, it all really kept me reading not wanting it to end.
Great read and fabulous work by
Arlene L. Walker
Arlene L. Walker has created a fascinating blend of historical fact and fiction in Seeds of Deception.
I was absolutely drawn-in following the McClendon family’s journey through life during post Civil War slave emancipation.
The characters were developed beautifully; I could picture them in my minds eye.
Native American slave owners and their interactions with former slaves, family secrets, suspense, it all really kept me reading not wanting it to end.
Great read and fabulous work by
Arlene L. Walker
March 15, 2024
Beautifully written, thought-provoking read
A touching tale, illustrating the difficulties of racial inequality shortly after the American civil war and abolition of slavery. The story is set in the Cherokee tribal town of Feather Falls, and illuminates the tensions between Cherokee natives and freed slaves of African descent, and the struggle of both for rights in a land now dominated by those descended from European immigrants.
The story begins with Sput Louie and her husband Benjamin being evicted from their home by landowner Goliah Lynch. Benjamin seeks out Lynch to plead for leniency but fails to return, leaving Sput Louie and her children searching for him, for shelter, and for answers. This story tells of her quest, and of the discoveries she makes along the way.
Touching, entertaining, and well-worth a read.
A touching tale, illustrating the difficulties of racial inequality shortly after the American civil war and abolition of slavery. The story is set in the Cherokee tribal town of Feather Falls, and illuminates the tensions between Cherokee natives and freed slaves of African descent, and the struggle of both for rights in a land now dominated by those descended from European immigrants.
The story begins with Sput Louie and her husband Benjamin being evicted from their home by landowner Goliah Lynch. Benjamin seeks out Lynch to plead for leniency but fails to return, leaving Sput Louie and her children searching for him, for shelter, and for answers. This story tells of her quest, and of the discoveries she makes along the way.
Touching, entertaining, and well-worth a read.
December 25, 2020
Five Stars
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
February 20, 2022
I’m not going to tell you this is a pleasant story, though it was a fascinating read. Walker has been inspired by her family history — involving a mix of Cherokee, African American and white heritage. Sput Louie, a freed slave, is struggling to keep her family afloat when her husband disappears. Sput searches for the truth. But, will it further tear them apart?
While the story itself is fiction, the greater framework is based on history. For me, that was the most important and enjoyable part of Seeds of Deception. Walker has told a story that needed to be told and she did a great job of it.
While the story itself is fiction, the greater framework is based on history. For me, that was the most important and enjoyable part of Seeds of Deception. Walker has told a story that needed to be told and she did a great job of it.
February 20, 2023
In honor of Black History Month, I read Seeds of Deception, a historical novel by indie author Arlene Walker. The story takes place in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) after the end of the Civil War, and I can almost guarantee you’ve never read a post-Civil War story like this.
I was vaguely aware that some Native American tribes owned Black slaves, but Walker brings their story to life. At the center are Sput Louie McClendon and her husband Benjamin, who were slaves on separate farms owned by Goliah, himself of mixed Cherokee and white blood. Sput and Benjamin and their three children live at a below-subsistence level, but Benjamin’s Cherokee blood and a new law would allow them a life-changing allotment of land. But Goliah must claim Benjamin as his son, and he has no intention of doing it. In fact, Goliah throws them off the land they live on. Leaving his family to pack up what they can, Benjamin goes to convince Goliah to acknowledge him. When he doesn’t return, Sput and her three sons set out on their own. To say anything more would be to give up the intricately woven plot.
Seeds of Deception is a story of people pitted against each other. The federal government purports to help both Black and Cherokee, while actually working to make Indian Territory a state, which would relegate the Natives to an even more subordinate level. The former slaves are hopeful, but the Cherokee are tired of giving up their land.
The dialogue is beautifully written, capturing both the language of the former slaves as well as that of the Cherokee, who are just as much a part of the story as Sput and her family. Secrets and mystery are woven into the novel, which came about as a result of Arlene Walker’s research into her family history. She, herself, is of mixed Black and Native blood and through the story isn’t “about” her family, she uses some of her ancestors' names. Cherokee words, phrases, and proverbs immerse the reader into the story and the lives of the disparate people who must find a way to live together.
I was vaguely aware that some Native American tribes owned Black slaves, but Walker brings their story to life. At the center are Sput Louie McClendon and her husband Benjamin, who were slaves on separate farms owned by Goliah, himself of mixed Cherokee and white blood. Sput and Benjamin and their three children live at a below-subsistence level, but Benjamin’s Cherokee blood and a new law would allow them a life-changing allotment of land. But Goliah must claim Benjamin as his son, and he has no intention of doing it. In fact, Goliah throws them off the land they live on. Leaving his family to pack up what they can, Benjamin goes to convince Goliah to acknowledge him. When he doesn’t return, Sput and her three sons set out on their own. To say anything more would be to give up the intricately woven plot.
Seeds of Deception is a story of people pitted against each other. The federal government purports to help both Black and Cherokee, while actually working to make Indian Territory a state, which would relegate the Natives to an even more subordinate level. The former slaves are hopeful, but the Cherokee are tired of giving up their land.
The dialogue is beautifully written, capturing both the language of the former slaves as well as that of the Cherokee, who are just as much a part of the story as Sput and her family. Secrets and mystery are woven into the novel, which came about as a result of Arlene Walker’s research into her family history. She, herself, is of mixed Black and Native blood and through the story isn’t “about” her family, she uses some of her ancestors' names. Cherokee words, phrases, and proverbs immerse the reader into the story and the lives of the disparate people who must find a way to live together.
July 28, 2019
The story was interesting but I did not like the writing style.
April 3, 2021
This book’s strength lies in its wonderful protagonist Sput Louie and her husband, Benjamin, who are former slaves attempting to scratch out a living on the unforgiving prairie of Feather Falls Township.
Seeds of Deception was a fantastic story for me. Arlene L. Walker did a splendid job of penning a story with a very tight plot and gripping scenes. This tale was entirely fluff-free, which was refreshing.
I found out that this story was inspired by the author's heritage, which was terrific. I also loved the names that author used for the characters. Many of them sounded exactly as I expected. Characters like Old Crow, Two Bird, Laughing Boy, and Tiger Tee Hee were just a few examples.
The world-building and character development were top-notch. I appreciated the author's attention to detail in the former and her sufficient backstories in the latter.
There was absolutely nothing I disliked about this beautiful story. Seeds of Deception is a perfect work of literature, and I'll readily recommend it to anyone who is a lover of history and historical fiction.
Seeds of Deception was a fantastic story for me. Arlene L. Walker did a splendid job of penning a story with a very tight plot and gripping scenes. This tale was entirely fluff-free, which was refreshing.
I found out that this story was inspired by the author's heritage, which was terrific. I also loved the names that author used for the characters. Many of them sounded exactly as I expected. Characters like Old Crow, Two Bird, Laughing Boy, and Tiger Tee Hee were just a few examples.
The world-building and character development were top-notch. I appreciated the author's attention to detail in the former and her sufficient backstories in the latter.
There was absolutely nothing I disliked about this beautiful story. Seeds of Deception is a perfect work of literature, and I'll readily recommend it to anyone who is a lover of history and historical fiction.
December 10, 2021
“I am not the one who put the cry in your hate.”
Seeds of Deception is a brilliant story written by an incredibly talented author.
This tale follows Sput Louie McClendon and her family as they lose their plot of land and try to find their way in a world that is extremely unforgiving and unkind.
Sput discovers secrets she’d rather leave unturned as she tries to locate her husband who went missing soon after they were evicted.
There are not enough words in the English language for me to describe my love of this incredibly magnificent book. The characters, the storyline, the prose… they all come together to create a truly remarkable read.
If you want to be not only entertained, but educated as well, I highly recommend picking up a copy of your own. I’m certain Arlene will win your utmost respect and adoration as she did mine.
A definite all-time favorite gets a solid five stars!
Seeds of Deception is a brilliant story written by an incredibly talented author.
This tale follows Sput Louie McClendon and her family as they lose their plot of land and try to find their way in a world that is extremely unforgiving and unkind.
Sput discovers secrets she’d rather leave unturned as she tries to locate her husband who went missing soon after they were evicted.
There are not enough words in the English language for me to describe my love of this incredibly magnificent book. The characters, the storyline, the prose… they all come together to create a truly remarkable read.
If you want to be not only entertained, but educated as well, I highly recommend picking up a copy of your own. I’m certain Arlene will win your utmost respect and adoration as she did mine.
A definite all-time favorite gets a solid five stars!
July 31, 2021
This is a fantastic book! If I could give more stars I would.
The setting is a part of history I knew nothing about and was intrigued by the premise. It has definitely encouraged me to look into the history further.
The story and characters grab you instantly. Sput Louie is a force of a protagonist. It's impossible not to root for her in every way.
The twists and turns knocked me off my feet! I didn't see a single one of them coming and they were all amazing.
Read this book, it does not disappoint!
The setting is a part of history I knew nothing about and was intrigued by the premise. It has definitely encouraged me to look into the history further.
The story and characters grab you instantly. Sput Louie is a force of a protagonist. It's impossible not to root for her in every way.
The twists and turns knocked me off my feet! I didn't see a single one of them coming and they were all amazing.
Read this book, it does not disappoint!
March 14, 2022
“A lie could hurt. So could the truth.”OMG!!! #SeedsOfDeception by #ArleneLWalker took my breath away. It is a blending of actual American History & enlightening fiction based on the conflicts between the Cherokee Nation & freed African slaves post civil war. Ms. Walker’s characters will stay with you long after you read the last page & re-shelf the book! This is a major piece of #NativeAfricanAmerican history that our society glosses over, if it is recognized at all! This novel needs to be assigned reading in every American History classroom! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾
April 22, 2020
felt myself drawn to this book as I kept reading. It was a good. The storyline was different from what I've been reading. This was a good change of pace
February 20, 2021
This book is mainly historical fiction but also throws light on some facts, some truths which makes it quite enlightening as well as engaging and captivating.
Set in tribal town of Feather Falls, during the times of tensions between Cherokee Indians and their former slaves for land, rights And liberties.So this book revolves around Sput Louise and Benjamin, the husband-wife duo who worked under Golhia Lynch.The couple blessed with three sons, were living their ordinary life, then one day Golhia suddenly evicted them without any prior notice.The family had to find a place to live, a shelter on their head.But even worse thing that happened that day was Benjamin suddenly vanished.
Sput had to find a shelter as well as her husband.
He was gone with his own will or was being kept away from the family?
Where Benjamin would have gone?
Would there have been a conspiracy behind this?
Was he dead Or alive?
And in search of her husband she got to know the truths, the secrets about her family which shocked her and changed her life.
What was such secret?
There are many questions here, but answers to all of them lies in this pretty book! Go and Grab your copy today!
Author is indeed a wordsmith, she has so beautifully presented Sput Louise's life, her emotional journey and also highlighted struggles and oppressions that slaves had to face with much details and description.I liked the well-knit and intriguing plot rich in suspense and mystery.The writing is top- notch, characters are well developed, historical elements well balanced within the framework of story.Although I found language a bit complex, pace a bit slow but I must say a perfect choice of words.
The cover is appropriate and title is just a perfect choice.I really admired the character of Sput.She has been a strong and determined woman.
Overall Author Arlene L.Walker has given us an amazing work of historical fiction with a fabulous main character and not much known,less heard history of African slaves.I got to know many things which I never knew before.
Set in tribal town of Feather Falls, during the times of tensions between Cherokee Indians and their former slaves for land, rights And liberties.So this book revolves around Sput Louise and Benjamin, the husband-wife duo who worked under Golhia Lynch.The couple blessed with three sons, were living their ordinary life, then one day Golhia suddenly evicted them without any prior notice.The family had to find a place to live, a shelter on their head.But even worse thing that happened that day was Benjamin suddenly vanished.
Sput had to find a shelter as well as her husband.
He was gone with his own will or was being kept away from the family?
Where Benjamin would have gone?
Would there have been a conspiracy behind this?
Was he dead Or alive?
And in search of her husband she got to know the truths, the secrets about her family which shocked her and changed her life.
What was such secret?
There are many questions here, but answers to all of them lies in this pretty book! Go and Grab your copy today!
Author is indeed a wordsmith, she has so beautifully presented Sput Louise's life, her emotional journey and also highlighted struggles and oppressions that slaves had to face with much details and description.I liked the well-knit and intriguing plot rich in suspense and mystery.The writing is top- notch, characters are well developed, historical elements well balanced within the framework of story.Although I found language a bit complex, pace a bit slow but I must say a perfect choice of words.
The cover is appropriate and title is just a perfect choice.I really admired the character of Sput.She has been a strong and determined woman.
Overall Author Arlene L.Walker has given us an amazing work of historical fiction with a fabulous main character and not much known,less heard history of African slaves.I got to know many things which I never knew before.
February 16, 2021
"Being enslaved left you with a certain mindset. After it stripped you naked of your dignity, it bore a hole in your soul and your spirit."
- quote from the book.
Sput Louie McClendon her three sons & her husband Benjamin are freed slaves who are already living in a decrepit condition in Feather Falls, when their former owner and the town's tycoon Goliah Lynch, aka Old Crow evicts them without notice. Benjamin has a history with Goliah owing which, the frustrated and angry Benjamin decides to confront Goliah but goes missing with a bounty on his head. Now Sput has to not only look for a shelter but also find Benjamin. Resilient Sput begins the search. But then she gets to know about their family history and secrets which may alter their future. But where is Benjamin? Is he hurt or has he abandoned his family and fled? Or is he just hiding from everyone? But why?
Based on the history of Native African Americans this book is based on the tension between the Cherokee Indians and their freed slaves, who fought for their basic rights after the civil war and their liberation.
The story is compelling but I struggled with the writing style as I believe such kind of writing needs an acquired taste. The language is Native so it was difficult for me to grasp at the beginning. But inspite of that, I was hooked on to the interesting mystery. I loved the character of Sput Louie and her spirited will was the backbone of the story. Such books based on the forgotten history of the dark times of humanity bring forth the knowledge hidden away from the plain sight for readers like us. For a heartfelt historical fiction experience, read this intriguing story
- quote from the book.
Sput Louie McClendon her three sons & her husband Benjamin are freed slaves who are already living in a decrepit condition in Feather Falls, when their former owner and the town's tycoon Goliah Lynch, aka Old Crow evicts them without notice. Benjamin has a history with Goliah owing which, the frustrated and angry Benjamin decides to confront Goliah but goes missing with a bounty on his head. Now Sput has to not only look for a shelter but also find Benjamin. Resilient Sput begins the search. But then she gets to know about their family history and secrets which may alter their future. But where is Benjamin? Is he hurt or has he abandoned his family and fled? Or is he just hiding from everyone? But why?
Based on the history of Native African Americans this book is based on the tension between the Cherokee Indians and their freed slaves, who fought for their basic rights after the civil war and their liberation.
The story is compelling but I struggled with the writing style as I believe such kind of writing needs an acquired taste. The language is Native so it was difficult for me to grasp at the beginning. But inspite of that, I was hooked on to the interesting mystery. I loved the character of Sput Louie and her spirited will was the backbone of the story. Such books based on the forgotten history of the dark times of humanity bring forth the knowledge hidden away from the plain sight for readers like us. For a heartfelt historical fiction experience, read this intriguing story
February 20, 2021
This book follows the life of Sput and her family, who were slaves to a cruel tycoon. But after they are thrown out by their owner, her husband goes missing. In a force to reunite her family and have a better life, Sput sets out to find what happened to her husband.
Seeds of Deception was an interesting book for me to read. When I was given the opportunity to read it, the first thing that got my eyes was how descriptive and intriguing the blurb was. It had the mystery element well sprayed, which I love. In the past, I had little luck reading and appreciating historical fiction, but this book truly has made me change my opinion on such books.
While reading this book, not only did I have a good time solving the mystery along with Sput, I also learned about the lives these people led during those days. Slavery is a sensitive topic which many, including me, are not aware of the entire picture of it. But while reading the book, I was given so many insights into the type of life they led, how the society was, and how different people have problems of their own. The pain throughout this book is collective because people involved in slavery were deeply scarred, whether that be mentally, physically, or psychologically. This affects them at a level that is pretty hard to recover.
Overall, this book was brilliant with a very intriguing storyline and how descriptive it was when talking about the history of these amazing people.
Seeds of Deception was an interesting book for me to read. When I was given the opportunity to read it, the first thing that got my eyes was how descriptive and intriguing the blurb was. It had the mystery element well sprayed, which I love. In the past, I had little luck reading and appreciating historical fiction, but this book truly has made me change my opinion on such books.
While reading this book, not only did I have a good time solving the mystery along with Sput, I also learned about the lives these people led during those days. Slavery is a sensitive topic which many, including me, are not aware of the entire picture of it. But while reading the book, I was given so many insights into the type of life they led, how the society was, and how different people have problems of their own. The pain throughout this book is collective because people involved in slavery were deeply scarred, whether that be mentally, physically, or psychologically. This affects them at a level that is pretty hard to recover.
Overall, this book was brilliant with a very intriguing storyline and how descriptive it was when talking about the history of these amazing people.
December 11, 2020
This book failed on several levels for me. First, I never really felt that I knew much about the characters and therefore, never really grew to care about them one way or the other. I didn't love Sput Louie. I didn't hate Goliah. Two Birds was the most interesting character but that role was tangential and followed an undeveloped story line. There were other tangent storylines that were just left dangling and characters who were introduced but had no real impact on the story but also weren't developed enough to add anything.
At several points action was unbelievable. At her "trial" Sput Louie bit her knuckles when her sons ran into the courtroom. Why? Also, who really bites their knuckles ever? When Goliah's wagon was attacked his reaction was completely unbelievable. If he really thought he was getting attacked by hornets, wouldn't he have cracked the whip and sped away? Yes. Yes, he would have. Instead he reasoned that speeding away would only anger the attacking insect. Really?
That's all the time I will spend on this book. I wasted enough time reading it.
At several points action was unbelievable. At her "trial" Sput Louie bit her knuckles when her sons ran into the courtroom. Why? Also, who really bites their knuckles ever? When Goliah's wagon was attacked his reaction was completely unbelievable. If he really thought he was getting attacked by hornets, wouldn't he have cracked the whip and sped away? Yes. Yes, he would have. Instead he reasoned that speeding away would only anger the attacking insect. Really?
That's all the time I will spend on this book. I wasted enough time reading it.
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July 15, 2021I am not usually a fan of historical fiction. I feel like that makes me a terrible person or something 😝 but I appreciate historical fiction that is:
a) beautifully written and
b) explores a buried aspect of American history.
Walker does just that. Here is a brief excerpt from her authors note to incite your curiosity: “My G-G grandmother...had been owned by Cherokee Indians. That surprising fact gave me pause. It was the first time ever I’d heard that Indians (and I use that term here because it was used back then) had owned slaves.”
Walker gives treatment of this piece of untold history fairness and I loved the complexity of one of the main characters, Two-Bird!
Not only is her writing superb, but she delivers a heroine in the form of Sput Louis that made me root for her in every way. The twists and turns of the book, the surprising characters, and the secrets she unveils are delivered at just the right time to keep you invested.
You can also tell that Walker did the research, and any book that immerses me so deeply deserves the highest praise.
a) beautifully written and
b) explores a buried aspect of American history.
Walker does just that. Here is a brief excerpt from her authors note to incite your curiosity: “My G-G grandmother...had been owned by Cherokee Indians. That surprising fact gave me pause. It was the first time ever I’d heard that Indians (and I use that term here because it was used back then) had owned slaves.”
Walker gives treatment of this piece of untold history fairness and I loved the complexity of one of the main characters, Two-Bird!
Not only is her writing superb, but she delivers a heroine in the form of Sput Louis that made me root for her in every way. The twists and turns of the book, the surprising characters, and the secrets she unveils are delivered at just the right time to keep you invested.
You can also tell that Walker did the research, and any book that immerses me so deeply deserves the highest praise.
April 13, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. I know this book is going to get lots of rave reviews as the slave and quest for freedom story is told from a different point of view. Here we have the story, personal to the author of the fight that some American Indians fought for their rights. For me it does nothing, the narrative is difficult in both the way it is written and in its content. It is depressing and ultimately simply repeats what hundred of other authors have told in slave stories over the last decade.
I feel as if people rave about these books because they feel they should because the book highlights injustice in society. For me they simply echo what has gone before.
I feel as if people rave about these books because they feel they should because the book highlights injustice in society. For me they simply echo what has gone before.
April 3, 2021
“If poverty was slavery, then wisdom was wealth”
Starting off with such an elegant line the author Arlene Walker takes us on a ride with Sput Louie McClendon’s life story which will keep you hinged right till the end!
Seeds of Deception is a well researched historical fiction about Africans formerly enslaved by Native American tribes and their quest to be recognized as tribal members.
Walker's characters are well developed and multi-scale. The story line of this book intriguing, and she's really done an outstanding job teach her readers aspects of history they never knew about.
The author still manages to turn Sput’s story into a stirring saga with a genuinely affecting conclusion.
Readers with a keens interest in knowing American history are definitely in for a treat!
Starting off with such an elegant line the author Arlene Walker takes us on a ride with Sput Louie McClendon’s life story which will keep you hinged right till the end!
Seeds of Deception is a well researched historical fiction about Africans formerly enslaved by Native American tribes and their quest to be recognized as tribal members.
Walker's characters are well developed and multi-scale. The story line of this book intriguing, and she's really done an outstanding job teach her readers aspects of history they never knew about.
The author still manages to turn Sput’s story into a stirring saga with a genuinely affecting conclusion.
Readers with a keens interest in knowing American history are definitely in for a treat!
March 29, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the author, Arlene L. Walker. I am not really a historical fiction reader mostly how far back this book went but it was very informative and I love the multicultural interest in the book as it is a book about black people. It really allows you to see things of the past and things I didn't that happened even though it is fiction it still shared great details of real life.
Great read.
Great read.
January 31, 2020
It was kind of an interesting story, I just don't think it was the right story for my personal taste, but judge for yourself
I received a copy of this book through netgalley for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book through netgalley for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
Loved it!
Pleasure reading and historical fiction combined make this a must read! You’ll learn something while you delve into a superb storyline. Everyone will find a character to identify with.
Pleasure reading and historical fiction combined make this a must read! You’ll learn something while you delve into a superb storyline. Everyone will find a character to identify with.
December 25, 2020
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
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