Absaroka War Chief

by Bryan Ney

Set in the 1820's American West and based on the life ofJames Beckwourth, an African American born of a white father and slavemother.  He joins a fur tradingexpedition and struggles for the respect of his fellow trappers, then iscaptured by the Crow tribe. Among the Crow he rises to become a vaunted leader.But he becomes disillusioned with the violence of their life, and ultimatelyhas to decide, where does he really belong?

270 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2021

About the author

Bryan Ney does most of his traveling virtually these days, researching his latest novel about James Beckwourth from the comfort of his home in Malibu. Most historical fiction authors are given a skeleton by the historical record which they flesh out. Bryan compares his works to being given a photo album by the historical record, from which he makes a movie.
Bryan also likes to write about himself in the third person.

Reviews

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
17th March 2021
TITLE: Absaroka War Chief
AUTHOR: Bryan Ney
Star Rating: 5

‘A superb retelling of the life of the American fur trader and explorer, James Beckwourth, written, rather originally, in the form of an historical novel. Cleverly crafted and thoroughly researched, this is a gem of a read .” The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
Now, although I'm a history lecturer, my knowledge of James Beckwourth is sketchy at best. I do know him to have been an American fur trader and explorer who lived in the 1800s, and who narrated his life story in a book entitled (I had to look this up) The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth: Mountaineer, Scout and Pioneer, and Chief of the Crow Nation of Indians. Now, there’s a mouthful! Although the book's seen as a little ‘exaggerated’ in parts, it is still an important resource for anybody interested in American life at that time, in particular the Crow Nation.
Over the years, I have read hundreds, possibly thousands, of history books . It's part of my job. But it's not often I get to enjoy an historical novel. So I happily settled down - glass of wine in hand - with Absaroka War Chief. And, I must say I thought it was a gripping read. Not only is the author extremely knowledgeable of this historical character, place and time, but he’s also got a lively writing style which very much helps to bring this tiny bit of history alive.
In terms of who this book is for, I suspect students of American history will find this of interest. Also, anybody who enjoys a good adventure yarn packed full of interesting and often charismatic characters - who very much reflect the time they lived in - will fully enjoy this retelling of this man's life. In many ways, a book of this nature is the best way to learn and understand history. A novel helps to bring the characters alive, as opposed to a standard historical text which can reduce a character, no matter how famous, down to a list of facts.
All in all, this is a bit of a gem!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable and easy to read historical memoir. I loved the epilogue where the author listed his sources and where he had to compress events. I recently read "radical hope" a philosophers point of view on Chief Plenty Coup who was leader of the Crow nation 100 years after events of this novel and was the representative of all native American people at dedication to the tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington DC in 1921

[Vincent F. A. Golphin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Ney’s love for history and tall tales are more than evident in this fictionalized account of the adventures of African American pioneer James Pierson Beckwourth. The author highlights a character most Americans know as the model of the Old West pioneer, but just as many people are still not accustomed to that kind of hero in dark skin. Beckwourth was a major force in the exploration of the uncharted American West and the volatile expansion of settlers across the continent. The novel will appeal most to Louis L'Amour fans who enjoy rough and tumble adventures. The narrative is chock full of plantations, mountain men, tribal cultures and the Wild West. The 288-page novel is also a boon for history lovers.

I enjoyed the insight into this American legend, but the semi-retired surgeon Bryan Ney's effort to accurately convey Beckwourth leads to the novel’s critical weakness – it reads like nonfiction. Chocked full of dry historical fact, Absaroka War Chief, makes readers work hard to see the scenes. For example, in chapter three, Beckwourth speaks:

“I believe I am just the sort of fellow you are looking for, General, sir.”
Beckwourth leaned on his rifle, as if to emphasize his familiarity with it. Mackinaw boats were being loaded for the expedition; open, shallow-drafting boats with a platform on the back. Ashley put his boot on a barrel, rested his elbow on his knee and examined Beckwourth.

That scene lacks the vividness that a more experienced fiction writer might gain from an effective use of details and description. I saw that aspect as negative until I realized the unadorned prose results from a desire to get the history right. Factual statements bring a lot of light to Ney’s approach to fiction.

The 1951 movie, “Tomahawk,” portrayed Beckwourth as white, the only color then attached to heroes. Ney opens the rest of the story.

[Marcie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical novel of a true “larger than life” character from the late 1800’s. I was not familiar with James Beckwourth prior to reading this book. His adventures were brought to life in this novel, tracing his journey west to be a fur trapper and ending as a revered chief of a Crow Indian tribe.

[Kathy Dough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I highly recommend this semi a historical novel. It's full of facts and stories that I didn't rot have previously read about before, and was totally absorbed by all the people and information of that time. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting book and not that I know much about Indian ways but surprised by the development. It seemed to me the writing was choppy and in some places hard to follow.