Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific book. Madeline is a doctor on a mission - she has brought her skills to the Lakota White Sandy Reservation, committing herself to at least two years as their doctor. She gets a rude awakening when she discovers that the conditions are more primitive than she knew - a lack of supplies, irregular record keeping, and a rundown building, to name a few. She is determined to succeed, despite the interference from Rebel, the tribe's medicine man.
Rebel takes his responsibilities to his people seriously. After years spent running away from his heritage, he returned to the home of his heart. Raised in the traditions of the tribe by his grandfather, Rebel's connection to the land runs deep. Madeline's arrival throws him for a loop, and as much as he wants to believe the tribe doesn't need her, a rash of unexplained illnesses convinces him otherwise.
The first encounters between Madeline and Rebel were tense and intense. Madeline is very much a traditional doctor, relying on science and medicine to help her patients. Madeline is also the latest in a series of doctors who have come to work on the rez, most of whom don't last more than a few months, so it is an uphill battle earning their trust. Rebel is a Lakota medicine man whose methods lean more on the spiritual side and get on Madeline's wrong side when he recommends his methods over hers. Matters come to a head when her patients flat-out refuse vaccinations, and she blames Rebel. It isn't until he explains the history of Native distrust of "government assistance" that she begins to understand.
Underneath the antagonism between Rebel and Madeline is an intense attraction neither wants. Rebel has been burned in the past by a relationship with a white woman, and Madeline prefers to concentrate on her work. But there is no denying the pull between them, as exhibited by the river scene when Madeline chases him down at his campsite. This begins a connection between them as they grow closer in understanding each other's lives. Their chemistry builds, leaving each in a quandary about their future. Madeline is a woman whose life requires a house, while Rebel is happiest living under the stars. Each must consider the compromises they are willing to make for their desired future.
The subject of the mysterious illnesses plaguing the people runs throughout the book. Rebel's visions have told him this is an impending crisis, but he cannot know what it is. Madeline's attempts to progress the traditional way run into delays caused by institutional prejudice. I could feel her frustration and loved her method of getting results. When the crisis hits, it is all hands on deck as Madeline and a few others have to deal with it. The intensity was overwhelming, and I was wholly invested in the outcome. The resolution was almost anticlimactic but still very satisfying.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the natural inclusion of Lakota history and traditions. They were a logical part of the story, from Rebel's explanation about the vaccines to his visions to Grandfather Albert's decisions about his health. I loved getting to know various community members, such as Albert, Clarence, Tara, and Tammy, and learning about their lives and challenges. It was also a realistic look at life and conditions on a reservation, such as poverty, drugs, and alcoholism. I ached for the prejudice that someone like Rebel faced despite his success.
Rebel takes his responsibilities to his people seriously. After years spent running away from his heritage, he returned to the home of his heart. Raised in the traditions of the tribe by his grandfather, Rebel's connection to the land runs deep. Madeline's arrival throws him for a loop, and as much as he wants to believe the tribe doesn't need her, a rash of unexplained illnesses convinces him otherwise.
The first encounters between Madeline and Rebel were tense and intense. Madeline is very much a traditional doctor, relying on science and medicine to help her patients. Madeline is also the latest in a series of doctors who have come to work on the rez, most of whom don't last more than a few months, so it is an uphill battle earning their trust. Rebel is a Lakota medicine man whose methods lean more on the spiritual side and get on Madeline's wrong side when he recommends his methods over hers. Matters come to a head when her patients flat-out refuse vaccinations, and she blames Rebel. It isn't until he explains the history of Native distrust of "government assistance" that she begins to understand.
Underneath the antagonism between Rebel and Madeline is an intense attraction neither wants. Rebel has been burned in the past by a relationship with a white woman, and Madeline prefers to concentrate on her work. But there is no denying the pull between them, as exhibited by the river scene when Madeline chases him down at his campsite. This begins a connection between them as they grow closer in understanding each other's lives. Their chemistry builds, leaving each in a quandary about their future. Madeline is a woman whose life requires a house, while Rebel is happiest living under the stars. Each must consider the compromises they are willing to make for their desired future.
The subject of the mysterious illnesses plaguing the people runs throughout the book. Rebel's visions have told him this is an impending crisis, but he cannot know what it is. Madeline's attempts to progress the traditional way run into delays caused by institutional prejudice. I could feel her frustration and loved her method of getting results. When the crisis hits, it is all hands on deck as Madeline and a few others have to deal with it. The intensity was overwhelming, and I was wholly invested in the outcome. The resolution was almost anticlimactic but still very satisfying.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the natural inclusion of Lakota history and traditions. They were a logical part of the story, from Rebel's explanation about the vaccines to his visions to Grandfather Albert's decisions about his health. I loved getting to know various community members, such as Albert, Clarence, Tara, and Tammy, and learning about their lives and challenges. It was also a realistic look at life and conditions on a reservation, such as poverty, drugs, and alcoholism. I ached for the prejudice that someone like Rebel faced despite his success.
I really enjoyed this book. It is contemporary, believable fiction. I am not a prude, nor do I need to read about sex on every page. This book fell nicely in the middle with a realistic story, characters with reasonable responses, and pleasant intimate scenes that didn't go on for thirty pages at a time. In addition, the story was such that the emotions we shared with the characters weren't found solely on the "attraction/passion" spectrum. A very satisfying book.
