Red Clay, Running Waters
Red Clay, Running Waters by Leslie K Simmons, published by Koehler Books on December 19, 2023, is a historical narrative that explores the life of John Ridge, a Cherokee leader’s son, who returns from New England with his White bride, Sarah Northrop. Set against the backdrop of the 1830s Indian Removal crisis, the story delves into their struggle to defend their people’s rights and maintain the Cherokee Nation amidst rising tensions between the Southern states and the federal government.
This edition presents a detailed account of the Ridge family’s quest for justice, intertwining themes of politics, race, religion, and love during a tumultuous period in American history. As John and Sarah navigate the challenges posed by Andrew Jackson’s administration and the looming threat of expulsion from their homeland, readers will find a rich tapestry of historical events and personal sacrifice. With 684 pages, this English-language edition offers an immersive experience into the complexities of Indigenous history and the fight for autonomy.
Official synopsis Publisher
In 1824 John Ridge, promising son of a Cherokee leader, returns from his New England education with his White bride, Sarah Northrop, burning to defend his people’s rights, and realize the dream of an independent Cherokee Nation.
Peace at home evades when tensions rise between the Southern states and the federal government, pulling the Ridges into the crossfire of a divided country on the brink of civil war. Faced with expulsion from their homeland during the 1830s Indian Removal crisis, with options eroding, and Andrew Jackson in office, John and Sarah must forge a path to retain the Cherokee Nation in the midst of tyranny and deceit.
A timely saga of one family’s search for justice, this true story of profound love, sacrifice, and the meaning of home weaves the complex strands of politics, race, religion, and love into the tapestry of the turbulent times before the Trail of Tears.
- Feathered Quill Book Awards – Finalist Historical Fiction
- American Writing Awards – Finalist Historical Fiction
- CIBA Laramie Awards (Americana Fiction) – Finalist
- Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award (cover design) – Finalist
“. . . the creation of something sweeping yet intimate, historically accurate yet reflective of current issues, and, through it all, written with precision, grace and lyrical elegance. This is a splendid, splendid work.” Greg Fields – Author of Through the Waters and the Wild
“An extraordinary achievement. Red Clay, Running Waters is an old-fashioned novel in the best sense: rich in its portraiture and heartbreakingly true to history.” Jodi Daynard – Author of The Midwife’s Revolt
“The true-life saga of the Ridge family–the most dramatic, tragic, as yet untold story of America’s conflict with first nation’s people–is the stuff of legend. The author has devoted a lifetime to telling it like it demands to be told. I don’t know a more powerful American story that reveals more of who we are, and how far we must travel to heal from our troubled past.” David Marion Wilkerson – Author of Oblivions Altar
“…A fabulous example of the [Historical Fiction] genre – very well-written and really interesting [with] well-developed characters who drew me in . . . … an engaging story that held my attention throughout…I loved it!” – Feathered Quill Book Awards judges
“An immersive and engaging story . . . a consistently enjoyable literary experience.” – Kirkus Review
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