The Cherokee Dragon: A Novel of the Real People

by Robert J. Conley and Conley

Book Overview

Acclaimed novelist Robert J. Conley once again mines the history of his people, the Cherokee. In a fascinating and compelling novel, he explores the life of Dragging Canoe, the last great war chief of the united Cherokee tribe. In the late eighteenth century, as the English settlers begin steadily encroaching upon the Cherokee lands, the Nation-split up amongst several towns and many chiefs-unties in a series of battles under the war chief Dragging...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312208847
• ISBN13: 9780312208844
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 289 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

CHEROKEE DRAGON - Imminently Readable Insight

Until I was 15 years old, I lived in Oklahoma and was vaguely aware that I was part Cherokee. Beyond learning that Sequoyah, (inventor of the Cherokee alphabet), was part of our family tree and that my great, great grandmother came to Indian Territory via the infamous Trail of Tears, I knew little of Cherokee history. I learned in school that the Cherokee Nation, (one of the 5 Civilized Tribes), welcomed the white man and eagerly took up their ways. As a youngster, I was disappointed that my indian ancestors were not more like the exciting and famous indian warriors that stood up to the white invasion into their land. Although on one hand I was disappointed, nevertheless I was proud that at least I had some Native American blood in me. In reading Robert Conley's, CHEROKEE DRAGON, I learned that the Cherokee Nation did have a Warrior Chief who chose to stand and fight against the "confiscation by treaty" of their homes and land. Conley's historical chronicle of Dragging Canoe and the conflicting decisions that faced tribal leaders gives a balanced insight and understanding of the Cherokee politics of the time. Conley does not attempt to defend the new "Americans," and likewise, he offers no defense of the Cherokees, neither those that chose peace nor those that chose resistance. I grew to appreciate and respect the thoughtfulness and reasoning that went into their decisions. Conley presents a portion of Cherokee history that took place before, during and after America's War of Independence, through the eyes of those who became known as The Real People. CHEROKEE DRAGON is a most enjoyable page turner!