This book, around 500 pages, (I read the hardbound version) took my more than a week to read. This week was spent savoring a tale crafted by a master. Robson has done her research well. The story is about the Apache Wars in New Mexico and Arizona during the 1850's-1880's. First, Robson immerses us deeply into Apache folklore and culture. We learn more about why they had so many names and where some of the names like "Victorio" came from. We already know that the Native Americans revered the land, but Robson shares with us the Native American myths and legends behind this reverence. Robson doesn't leave out white culture and practices. She speak with knowledge about firearms and even freighting practices. All of this gives us such an intense aroma of the times, practices, and attitudes of various folks that we can feel an attachment and interest. For example, she describes a particularly troublesome mule and the manner in which the mule-skinner handles him. He "roaches" (cuts short) his mane and tale so that all the other drivers know that the mule is an especially cantankerous and stubborn animal to deal with. This is just one example of the rich detail that Robson peppers this story with.Second, Robson deals with history in a way that balances the viewpoints of the Apaches as "noble redmen" with that of "murderous savage." Even Rafe, a freighter/scout for the army who is sympathetic towards the Apaches is appalled by some of their atrocities and determines that he cannot excuse their murderous behavior. Still Robson manages to tell the story from a viewpoint that leaves the reader feeling bad about the behavior on both sides of those wars. Finally, Robson writes a crackerjack historical novel which centers on Lozen, a female Shaman/warrior, the sister of Victorio. We see the suffering of her people, their attitude about life, etc. through her eyes. The other main character is Rafe. Through his eyes we see his concern with the treatment of the Native Americans, the conduct of the Native Americans, and even the treatment of the black "buffalo soldiers" by their white officers. I thought Robson was going to make a bad literary error and turn this great novel into a romance novel. Rafe becomes enamored with Lozen and to some extent vice-versa. However, the line between historical novel and romance is never crossed. Robson stays true to the story she is telling as these two meet each other over and over again throughout the novel. I was deeply impressed by her commitment to the reality that her novel focused on. I would liken this novel to Lonesome Dove in its gritty and harsh portrayal of the reality of the old west. The characters aren't quite as comical, but they seem to be characters of great dimension. By the time the reader finishes this novel, he cares about most of the characters. Robson manages to do this without glorifying any of the characters too much. The brutality of both sides is clearly depicted. I liked this novel as much for its balance as for its characterization.
Although I finished this book awhile back, I never returned to Goodreads to tell you my final impressions on St.Clair Robson's book, Ghost Warrior. This was a riveting book in all respects. The characters were rich and multifaceted; the plot made sense and had motivation and rationale. The setting is, of course, one of my favorite - the southwest during the Native American "holocaust" perpetrated by white settlers and soldiers, and initiated by the federal government. These were characters and events that I wanted to know forever. I didn't want the book to end because I had made deep friendships with the various protagonists throughout the time span of the plot. I highly recommend this book to most adult readers, period. If you're an adult reader who also happens to enjoy historical novels set in this time period, you will put this on your shelf along with Lonesome Dove.
What do You think about Ghost Warrior (2003)?
Lozen, the Ghost Warrior, completely eluded me. I eagerly began this book, wanting to learn more about the Apache of the Southwest. I did learn about their brutal lifestyle, their wars with Mexico and the United States Army..........every chapter was a new battle, another slaughter.Lozen was an unusual rider, a woman with visions and great spirit; but as I waited for her life to evolve; I couldn't wait for the book to end. Each foray, each powwow became like the last........an eternal "groundhog day".I was very disappointed; and it was much too long.
—Felicia
