Thirteen Moons - Charles Frazier
Title: Thirteen Moons
Author: Charles Frazier
Date Finished: January 6, 2008
Pages: 420
Rating: 4/5
I chose this book because I loved Cold Mountain, so I thought it would be perfect for the Seconds Challenge. Thirteen Moons begins in the early-mid 1800s and is set mostly around and in the Cherokee Nation. The story follows Will Cooper, a young orphan boy who is bound into servitude at a trading post at the edge of Cherokee Nation. Will quickly adapts to the rough surroundings around him using his quick wits, business savvy, and befriending a chief, Bear. The rest of the novel follows Will's story through middle age into old age--tracing the history of the native people he is adopted by--mainly the exodus of natives to the west.
Frazier's writing is exquisite--many complain about his writing style, but I don't agree that it is exaggerated or overdone. Frankly it is what will drive me to buys his next novel. The plot, however, did not grab me like Cold Mountain did. I really liked Will as a character, but I never warmed up to Claire--his sometimes love interest throughout the novel. I found the premise believable, but I wanted it to take hold of me and consume me like Inman and Ada did.
I would recommend this to those who love language--and a little patience is required. I appreciated the insight into the removal of a huge population as well as the customs of the Native Americans during this time, both of which Frazier detailed at great length and with great feeling.
6 comments:
I keep eying this book whenever I pass it in the bookstore, but have yet to pick it up. I haven't read or seen Cold Mountain, I admit, and so my interest in Thirteen Moons has more to do with the subject matter than the author. I probably will pick this one up one of these days after reading your review.
*Lit Feline - although the time periods cross in the two novels, the subject matter is very very different and in many ways I liked the story of Thirteen Moons better--although I love Civil War lit. I hope if you read it you enjoy it!
Sounds like a fascinating book! It's too bad one of the major chars didn't grab you so much... that always disappoints me when it happens.
My husband and I both enjoyed the audio version of this book - so much so that we bought it for several friends and family members last year for Christmas. This is the Frazier book we read first, then we read Cold Mountain, and didn't like it as much.
It's definitely worth a read!
frazier does write beautifully. He draws such compelling mental pictures, at least he did in "Cold Mountain."
*Heather - is is a disappointment in comparison to how I felt about his other characters in Cold Mountain, but I still really liked this book.
*Laura - funny that we had opposite reactions to his books. His language is beautiful, but I'm not sure if I could stay focused with an audio version. :)
*Framed - This one's language is no different--I love Frazier's writing. If you read it, I hope you like it!
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