The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles - 4 stars (BWF Extra)

[Joy D]

The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles - 4* - My Review

Historical fiction based on a real person, Britt Johnson, a freed black man, who lived with his family on the frontier in post-Civil War Texas. In the opening few chapters, Britt’s wife, another woman, and their children, are abducted by Kiowa and Comanche raiders. He has no idea where they have been taken and the storyline follows his long process of figuring out how to rescue them. His journey leads him to make several unlikely alliances. The story explores the complex relationships between settlers, indigenous tribes, and African Americans during this period.

One notable aspect of the novel is its portrayal of the harsh realities faced by the characters as they deal with the many challenges of survival on the Texas frontier. Jiles’s writing elegantly captures the physical and emotional toll of this environment. She does not spare descriptions of the brutalities that were part of their lives (sensitive readers be forewarned).

Britt Johnson is a compelling protagonist. He was free prior to the end of slavery, but settlers make assumptions that he had recently been a slave. In his travels, the people he meets react differently to him. Some see only his race, but others view him as an individual who can relate to both the settlers and the tribes. The novel also delves into the cultural clashes between the settlers and tribes, particularly the Comanche and Kiowa.

Another key aspect of the novel is the portrayal Samuel Hammond, the Quaker placed in charge of Indian Affairs, who acted as liaison with the same tribes involved in the raid. It describes his rather naïve assumption that all captives would want to be returned to their original white families. He has no concept that many, especially children, feel part of the tribal community and have no desire to return. When they do return, the results are mostly negative. Jiles skillfully portrays the complexities of these interactions, offering a glimpse into the many cultural misunderstandings and why attempts at coexistence ultimately failed.

Jiles's prose is outstanding – poetic, evocative and rich in historical detail, immersing readers in the vividly depicted landscape and time period. The narrative, while rooted in historical events, incorporates fictional elements that contribute to the novel's depth. In the Afterword, the author clarifies what is fact versus fiction. I found it a powerful story that captures the harsh realities of the era through its diverse cast of characters and their interconnected stories. It also provides a sad commentary on the factors that led to the isolation of the indigenous tribes. I can also recommend Jiles's News of the World.

PBT BWF January Extra "C" - fits letter but not tag

[Booknblues]

That sounds really good. Right up my alley!