Stone Bear

Charles H. Bertram
Infinity Publishing (2005)
ISBN 0741419912
Reviewed by Shaley Melchior for Reader Views (9/06)

What would you do if your language was outlawed, you were of one nationality, yet living in another country, and there was much prejudice against you and your family? Would YOU choose to make your life among Cherokee Indians, if it meant you would have a happier, as well as easier, life?

Charles H. Bertram raises these intriguing questions in his latest book, "Stone Bear."  We meet an Irish family that struggles with the prejudices against the Irish that were prevalent in the past. We follow this family from the times when the white men were demanding land and gold from the Indians, all the way through to the 1960s when New Mexican Indians were still not allowed to vote.

Stone Bear is the main character in this book. His great-great grandfather was an Irish immigrant who discovered that life among the Cherokee Indians was much easier than surviving as an Irishman living in the 'big cities' of the day. His great-great grandson, Stone Bear, upon going to college, is not allowed to speak his native tongue.  During World War Two, he fights in the Pacific against the Japanese as a guerilla soldier, and was given the name "Shadow Demon." 

"Stone Bear" is very finely written. The descriptions given are rich and so very descriptive. For example, in the beginning of the book, look at this description:  "Molly brought him into the study. She pointed to a chair where the boy sat with his hands under him.” "Look at that noble Irish face," said Father Casey, "and see how those alert deep black eyes are taking everything in."  "Look again with your glasses on," said O'Neill. "The eyes are not pure black, but the deepest, darkest blue I've ever seen."

Can't you just see a smallish, ragtag Irish boy, sitting on his hands, biting his lip, with huge, deep, dark blue eyes? The descriptive words used by the author bring his story to life. I can truly visualize every scenario set before me, and I feel that "Stone Bear" is a book that will become a timeless classic. Books that are self-published are sometimes poorly edited and full of typos, but I'm happy to report that "Stone Bear" is as well edited and laid out as any book from a major publishing house that I've read. Mr. Bertram should be very proud. I've enjoyed his book -- no, work of art, very much.

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