Review of EMPIRE OF THE SUMMER MOON
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
Ah, "Empire of the Summer Moon," a title that conjures images of vast plains and intense struggles beneath an unforgiving sun. S.C. Gwynne's exploration of the Comanche Nation, with its twin narratives of tribal dominance and the life of Quanah Parker, reads less like a history book and more like an epic saga that HBO might one day adapt into a miniseries. Imagine "Game of Thrones," but with fewer dragons and more mustangs.
Gwynne, with his journalist's knack for unraveling complex histories, dives deeply into the lore of the Comanche, a tribe whose mastery of horseback warfare made them the Spartans of the Great Plains. Their resistance to European-American encroachment isn't just fodder for historical footnotes but a compelling testament to the power dynamics at play during America's westward expansion. It's a tale as riveting and brutal as any told by Mel Gibson in "Braveheart," albeit with considerably less blue face paint.
Quanah Parker, the last Comanche chief, emerges not merely as a historical figure but as a character with Shakespearean depth. The son of a Comanche chief and a white woman captured during a raid, Parker straddles two worlds, embodying the cultural collision that defined his era. Gwynne deftly navigates this duality, presenting Parker not just as a leader but as a symbol of an era's tumultuous transformation.
However, it's worth noting that Gwynne occasionally romanticizes the violence inherent in the Comanche's way of life. While this might attract critique from those preferring the sanitized tales of American history taught in high schools, it also injects a robust realism into his narrative, much like Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," which similarly refuses to shy away from the harsh realities of Native American displacement.
The book's recognition as a Pulitzer Prize finalist and its bestseller status are well-earned accolades. Gwynne's work is more than a historical account; it is an immersive experience that brings the reader face to face with the gritty realities of frontier life. In the realm of historical non-fiction, it stands shoulder to shoulder with other giants, offering a focused lens on the unique role of the Comanche in shaping American history.
In conclusion, "Empire of the Summer Moon" is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the intricate tapestry of American history. Gwynne's masterful storytelling ensures that this tale of defiance and adaptation resonates long after the final page has been turned. It's not just a book; it's a journey into the heart of America's past, one that leaves you contemplating the complex legacies left by those who rode under the summer moon.
Purchase Link: EMPIRE OF THE SUMMER MOON on Amazon
