Blood and Bond

Kae Cheatham
Llumina Press (2007)
ISBN 1595266674
Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (4/07)

Eddie Cloudrunner seems to be a responsible man that everyone depends on.  He is a teacher, though he contemplates quitting that profession.  He also works on his ranch.  He helps others on their ranches, too.

A friend, Pete, believes there is a curse because of illegal hunting in the Spirit Canyon.  The illegal hunting took place 28-years ago.  He tries to avoid Pete’s request, seeing it as being a bit over-the-top.

Eddie starts to have hallucinations.  Is there an environmental problem?  Does this stem from the curse that is the result of the illegal hunting?

The Indian identity seems to be a constant internal and external struggle for the characters.  Eddie says to Martin, “Do you have any questions about them? About -- Indian people?”  The fact that Martin had to change cultures in a matter of days bothered Eddie.  He realizes Martin is being moved “out of the large file marked ‘Mainstream White America’ and into the ‘minority’ cubbyhole and the sub-slot labeled ‘Indian’.” 

Kae Cheatham writes in an intelligent manner.  The font is very small.  There are 259 pages.  In order to enjoy this book, you must be fascinated by the Indian culture, rodeos, and etc…. Otherwise, reading about possible curses seems pointless and boring. 

Kae Cheatham has written many fiction and nonfiction books in addition to “Blood and Bond,” many about the Native American culture.  She has a website that is worthy of a visit. 

 

Make comment on weblog