Reviewers’ Reviews:
“‘A man without a story is one without a past,’ Smith writes, ‘and a man without a past is one without wisdom.’ By the time readers have wandered freely through the strange realm of the Storykeeper, they may well find those words more prophetic, and more powerful.” – Kirkus Reviews Click to read the full review.
_____________
“Storykeeper is a complex read. With both perspective and time in flux, readers are carried along on a historical and cultural journey that, while compelling, requires attention to detail: not for those seeking light entertainment, it’s a saga that demands – and deserves – careful reading and contemplation.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer – Midwest Book Review Click to read the full review.
_____________
“Storykeeper is a stunning novel and a joy to read. Jam-packed with a wealth of well-researched historical content, there is a genuine and realistic feel to the text. I have no hesitation in recommending this book no matter where your historical interest may lie. I give it 5 stars!” Helen Hollick, Managing Editor – Historical Novel Society (Editorial Choice) Click to read the full review.
____________
“Storykeeper, is a tender, poignant, powerful story of a people’s strength, endurance and history. Smith not only turned his research of those days of Hernando De Soto in the 1500’s into a story that honors the Indians that lived through it, but created a lesson on the importance of storytelling.” Tammy Snyder – The Arkansas Book Reviewer Click to read the full review.
______________
“Mr. Smith has written a fantastic tale from the Native American point of view about the conquest of the New World by Hernando De Soto. He has done impeccable research . . . made that period in our history come alive for me. I learned much more about the conquest of the New World and life around the Mississippi River that now makes me want to read even more.” Dawn Edwards – The Kindle Book Review Click to read the full review.
_________________
“I love this story, and I applaud Daniel A. Smith on his diligent research. Smith writes some strong characters in this gripping story. Every human emotion is engaged, and at times I felt like I was right there with Manaha and the tribes who fought against De Soto. Superbly done. I’m sure I will be reading this book again.” SK – The Jelly Bomb Review Click to read the full review.
_____________
“Smith has created a wealth of history and culture that will make you weep. Creating words and phrases with a poetic sense, building a feel for Native American culture that feels so genuine and, yet, is eminently readable.” Kathy Davie – Books, Movies, Reviews! Click to read the full review.
________________
“The book’s images, enhanced by objective historical writing are portals into the distant past, sometimes humorous, often heartbreaking, but always illuminating.” Fred Petrucelli – Log Cabin Democrat Click to read the full review.
Interview:
by David Njoku at indieauthorland.com
Tell us about Storykeeper.
Storykeeper is about a first encounter between two completely different cultures and the tragic results that followed. It unfolds through fireside stories told to and by three young protagonists, each a generation apart. In June of 1541, the Spanish conqueror Hernando de Soto and his army of three-hundred conquistadors arrived in the Native American nation of Casqui, forty miles west of present day Memphis, TN. Within a few years, it is estimated that 90% of that native population had died from diseases carried by the Europeans, famines, drought, and wars.
Below the surface, the novel is really about storytelling. I think it is one of humanity’s most basic and defining characteristics, the unique ability and driving desire to tell stories. All stories from ancient cave painting to the most structured novel contribute to the enduring nature of mankind and are crucial for the survival of any culture.
A tip for new writers, don’t tell an agent that you are writing a novel about story “telling” even if you are.
Why’s that?
It comes from a bruising pitch session when an agent admitted that no one was going to give a novel about telling stories a look because it breaks the first rule of fiction writing; show don’t tell. Silly, I know. I spent the next two years and many query letters trying to down-play the storytelling element of my novel. I finally saw the light. I stopped writing queries became an Indie author and embraced my storytelling.
Click to read the full interview.
~~~
Readers’ Reviews:
This was truly one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Sometimes you just know that part of the author’s soul has crept into a story. -ronix- (UK)
I enjoyed this book. After reading it, I feel compelled to write my own family stories for future generations as well as the present. -Linda- (US)
This book was different from what I usually read and I think because of that it took me a little bit to get into the story. But I must say I enjoyed the story that the storyteller told. Oral history is important. -KT- (Nevada)-
The balance of narrative and pacing was spot on and over the few days that I read this book I kept finding myself thinking about the characters and being eager to sit back down and delve into their journeys. Really can’t recommend the book highly enough. -J Mountifield- (Bath, England)
I was surprised and delighted with this book. I didn’t think I would enjoy it at first then I didn’t want to lay it down. It kept me wanting to know what happened next and then it had a good ending. I am glad I read it. -Hollice- (USA)
This book is a captivating story, well written and with heartfelt feeling for the Native American people who were the first residents of the continent. I heartily recommend this book. – GeorgeHB- (Atlanta)-
This story is a great one. It was very thought out and written. I couldn’t stop reading it. -Melissa D. Cow-
Although it starts slowly, Storykeeper becomes a riveting story. Actually, it is well written as a story within a story within a story. Very easy to follow. -w Buckley-
The stories are skilfully interwoven by the author and the impression I was left with, at the end of the book, was one of satisfaction -Bennie Bookworm- (UK)
I totally enjoyed this book, so much so I didn’t want to stop reading. -Cathy Willingham-
“We know who we are through the stories that we hear and tell. This is a repository of wisdom and a magical work.”
Jane Bain – Life Works: Using myth and archetype to develop your life story
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Home 1)Books 2)Reviews/Interviews 3)Excerpt from Storykeeper 4)Maps/Journals 5)News/Events 6)Sites/Resources 7)Bio 8)Sounds 9)Contact
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
