Nan F. Salerno

Rich in texture and beautifully written, this long novel follows the life of an Ojibwa woman born in the late 1800s, as she navigates a changing world.

Co-authors Nan Salerno and Rosamond Vanderburgh were not prolific writers; at any rate, online sellers list only this joint venture plus one other solo work by each, but they hit this one out of the park. The term "sweeping saga" is terribly overused, but there's really no other way to describe this detailed and loving portrait of the life of a remarkable woman.

At twelve, Supaya made her vision quest, never suspecting that she would be the last of her line to do so. Learning from her father, a noted healer, she anticipated a life much like that of her ancestors', never realizing that she would face the incredible changes brought by the onrushing 20th century. This is a story of a woman who tries her best to honor her traditions, even as they lead her away from where her heart is calling.

There's a love story here (in fact, there are several), as well as heartbreak. Never overly sentimental or unrealistic about the challenges faced by First Nations people in Canada, the novel still manages to be profoundly moving.

This one is hard to find (try Abe Books), but it's worth the effort.… (meer)

Very good perspective on an Indian woman trying to make it in both her native culture yet get along with the whites to the point of being good friends with them. Good explanations of treatments on the reservations and the troubles that were happening between the two cultures. The shaman ways were explained as being more helpful than as a witch doctor as something to fear. Liked how she treated and respected the men interested in her yet followed the expectations of her family's beliefs. Felt sorry that her children were not following her ways of thinking and maintaining their Indian ways.… (meer)