Review of Blood Summer 1862
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Review of Blood Summer 1862
The book Blood Summer 1862 by Robert Hauser is historical fiction. Robert Hauser is a retired cardiologist and author. This is his second book and his first novel, inspired by his mother's love of history. It is a pure work of fiction based on real historical events. The prologue takes place in 1807, where President Thomas Jefferson discusses, amongst other things, fur trading and the threat of a Native American-British alliance with John Jacob Astor. The discussion shifts to the tensions between settlers and Native American tribes. The book revolves around American history in a period where there was an influx of immigrants, settlers, and Native Americans feeling shortchanged on their land and what could go wrong in such a delicate situation.
The book starts by highlighting how citizens from other parts of the world desire to move to America for better lives. The author paints a picture of people who are willing to go to all lengths to have a decent life. The settlers are seen traveling from different parts of the world through dangerous roads and railway lines to America, a place they knew little about. This leads most of the settlers to areas simmering with tension and about to explode into civil wars. In one case, a family hardly settled down before finding themselves in the middle of the conflict. The book simplifies the history of Americans, especially the early settlers and immigrants, and the impact on Native Americans, particularly the Native Indians. The book highlights how the Dakota people secretly opposed government policies as the settlers were busy preparing their farms, unaware of the growing conflict. The tension eventually erupted into violence, leading to panic and deadly attacks on settlers and the retaliatory attack against the Dakota. Also highlighted in the book is the unpleasant topic of slavery.
The story also highlights President Lincoln's challenges during the Civil War. He is frustrated with the military leadership and has concerns about Indian affairs, leading to the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
What I loved most about this book is how the author has brought out the following aspects, among others, in any country: politics, power play, and institutional corruption. Reading the book, I was able to see how people are willing to risk it all to go to unfamiliar territories in search of greener pastures. The book also brings out how governments, who are meant to protect their citizens, can be oppressors with less consideration. The other aspect is how the government uses its upper hand in dealings and negotiations to shortchange the citizens and not honor any agreements. There is also the aspect of a larger group of people being shortchanged by a few individuals who at first appear to fight for the interests of the larger community, only for them to later advocate for their own selfish interests. This book is intriguing, as one can understand and learn a lot about government dealings, entrepreneurship, culture, and love amidst crises. This book is rich in many aspects and will help the reader understand, among other things, part of American history about early immigrants, slaves, and native Indians. Despite all these challenges, it’s interesting to see how love thrived. Personally, I didn’t find anything wrong with the book.
The language used is simple and easy to understand, making it enjoyable to read. The plot is captivating and simplified. I commend the editor too, because the book is exceptionally edited.
I recommended it to anyone willing to understand slavery, the history of the Native Americans, and the early settlers.
In my opinion, this book deserves 5 stars out of 5.
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Blood Summer 1862
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