A Review of Colin Mustful’s Latest Novel
As an avid reader of classic works of literature, I was very much impressed by Colin Mustful’s recently released novel, “Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternative History of the U.S.- Dakota War of 1862.” I was also impressed by the novel’s message of peace as we follow the lives of two young men, Samuel and Waabi, on opposite sides of a futile war.
Educated in the field of history, Mustful’s research into this segment of Minnesota’s past is quite remarkable. Vivid descriptions bring to life the violent encounters of the natives with the pioneers as well as moments when former enemies embrace the idea of coexistence. With detailed imagery, the author follows the events of 1862 from the perspectives of natives as well as the settlers. The natives have a culture of respect for nature that is quite impressive. At the same time, the immense challenges young Samuel and his family face in the untamed frontier and their struggle to survive are aptly described. The enormous task facing the pioneers as they settle in uncultivated terrain as well as the challenges the natives face as they watch more and more settlers taking over their lands and resources, are brought to life in striking colors.
Waabi mourns his father’s loss. He has learned from his father to respect nature and give back to it as he harvests its offerings. He even learns to respect rival tribes and to live in harmony with them. Waabi is witness to decisions that are hard for him to comprehend and force him and his tribe to leave their beloved land. Waabi watches helplessly as wigwams are replaced by wooden structures and the inhabitants become Europeans, making him feel like a stranger in his ancestral land.
Dramatic moments based on actual history are aptly depicted as the Ojibwe leader addresses a crowd of his supporters: “Negotiation leads to nothing but suffering and loss. Our time is slipping away. Like the buffalo of the plains or the timber of our woodlands.”
Young Samuel and his family have challenges of their own to face. Ultimately, poverty forces them to move from Vermont and seek a new life in the vast prairies of Minnesota. Samuel’s role is instrumental in this move, and for that, he blames himself when trouble comes.
The drama reaches its peak when Waabi and Samuel meet under unexpected circumstances. This is a must-read for lovers of American history. I highly recommend this unforgettable novel.