Among the finest historical novels I've read.

books:


	• Sign-Talker: The Adventure of George Drouillard on the Lewis and Clark Expedition James Alexander Thom Ballantine Books, 2001 - 512 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Among the finest historical novels I've read.

This was one of the most captivating adventures I've read about in a long time. I'm a slow reader, and enjoy savoring the details of a good book, but still surprised myself as I finished this in (for me) record time. J. A. Thom's intensely sensitive portrayal of the conflicted and insightful soul of Lewis and Clark's half Shawnee, half French communicator and hunter, George Drouillard, made the details of two-year expedition come alive. Other accountings I've read of the Lewis and Clark Expedition left me dry, but Thom fills in the facts with riveting narrative and anchors it with fascinating historical journal entries. A thoroughly good read. Thank you, Mr. Thom.

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Good book, but could do without the PC

I had just finished this book last week. To some of the critics, we must remember that this book was written as a novel, meaning the author took great liberty with history. Still I thought is was a bit more accurate on the man, who was simply known as the other Indian of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I do agree with the author that Lewis and Clark were both white supremacists and Lewis was highly unstable. Still they deserve some recognition for what they accomplished, however noone should forget that they didn't do it by themselves. The Corps of Discovery would've failed if it wasn't for Sacajawea and George Drouillard. Not too mention it should be noted that along with York being the first black man too ever vote, Drouillard and Sacajawea were the first American Indians to ever vote. I think this book would make a great epic film. Eddie Spears(from Black Cloud) would definitely stand out in playing George Drouillard.

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Good detail, but too "politically correct"

The strength of this book lies in the masterful detail. James Alexander Thom invokes the sights, sounds, and (sometimes unpleasant) smells of the Lewis & Clark expedition with unfailing attention to detail. His knowledge of the expedition and early-American life is impressive. Unfortunately, other aspects of the book don't live up to the same level of quality. Thom strikes the same note over and over - the whites are clueless destroyers, the Indians are mystic children of nature, and the overall tone of the Lewis & Clark Expedition was cynicism and greed. About halfway through, when I realized the book had no other insights to offer, I grew weary of the righteousness of the main character George Droulliard and was ready to skip to the end. Thom's portrait of Lewis as a raving, incompetent jerk seems like a literary device thrown in to create more conflict, instead of really trying to analyze the man's character. Similarly, Thom paints Droulliard as a near saint, ignoring the fact that he owned at least one slave. I enjoyed this book for the interesting detail, but I could've done without all the "political correctness."

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Sign-Talker: A Trip Back in Time

Thom's Sign Talker draws in the reader from the very start. This is an action-packed, intelligent, effective novel that vividly leads you through the trials and triumphs of Lewis and Clark's journey, as seen through the eyes of their Native American interpreter. As always, Thom gives life to his characters with tremendous insight into human nature. A respectable novel I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys adventure and history.

reviews: page 1, 2

In his extraordinary body of work, James Alexander Thom does more than bring the past to life; he makes us experience history as if we were witnessing it for the first time. Thom's new novel is an enthralling adventure with fascinating real-life characters--and a heart-grabbing narrative that casts a vivid light on a momentous chapter in American history.

Sign-Talker begins just after the Louisiana Purchase. Thomas Jefferson has sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to penetrate the newly acquired territory, journey up the Missouri River, cross the Rocky Mountains, and reach the glimmering sea in the far West. To survive, the two captains need an extraordinary hunter who will be able to provide the expedition with fresh game, and a sign-talker to communicate with the native tribes. They choose George Drouillard. It is Drouillard, an actual historical figure, who becomes our eyes and ears on this unforgettable odyssey.

Drouillard, a metis raised among the Shawnee, cannot fathom what drives the two men. Nor can he help but admire their ingenuity and courage as they tackle the journey into the unknown. Along the way, he watches as they shrewdly shape and discipline their force, adding French-Canadian rivermen--to guide the expedition up the Missouri--and an Indian woman, Sacagawea, who will play a crucial role in negotiations with the Western tribes.

After plunging into an unforgiving land and near madness, the two captains celebrate a triumphant achievement. But the glory will soon be eclipsed by an overwhelming tragedy that will touch not only Meriwether Lewis and the frontier tribes but George Drouillard himself. A magnificent tale told with intelligence and insight, Sign-Talker is full of song and suffering, humor and pathos. James Alexander Thom has created the rarest reading experience: one that entertains us even as it shows us a new vision of our nation, our past, and ourselves.

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