"A good work of historical fiction"
The New Mexico Mescalero Indians raised Rachel as one of
their own after her father abandoned her. However, unable
to ignore her white heritage and fearing her love for Swift
Buck, Silent Wind left the tribe to live in the white
world.
She not only deserted the people who nurtured her, but
also
destroyed the love of Swift Buck. For five years an abashed Rachel watches the harassment and
murder of her former tribe even on their reservation. She
returns to her tribe with a deep desire to help in the
fight
against the hell that the whites have imposed on her
people.
Angry at her for leaving and at the whites for killing his
fellow Apaches including his wife, White Buck abducts
Rachel. He plans to use her as a pawn enabling him to flee
the infernal jail the soldiers call a reservation, but did
not count on their former love rekindling even brighter
than
before. Though the romance is a subplot, WALK INTO THE FLAME reads
more like a deep historical fiction than a love story. The
tale provides a dark often-gritty look at the nineteenth
century mistreatment of Indians by Federal agents and
soldiers, and other Americans. Ronda Thompson provides
plenty of action with strong characters, but readers
seeking
an Indian romance need to look elsewhere. However, those
in
the audience who appreciate deep realism that condemns
anyone taking away the inalienable basic rights of an
individual (to include the male lead making a hostage out
of
the female protagonist), a people, and a way of life will
want to read WALK INTO THE FLAME. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted May 25, 2003
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