Through Apache Eyes: Verbal History of Apache Struggle

by Geronimo Chiricahua, Chet Dembeck (Editor, Forword)

When you read the history of the Apache People, it is a bittersweet story that starts with the triumph of a group over the harsh elements of the Alaskan cold by migrating to the warm, fertile land of the Great Plains in 1,000 A.D. Yet, the one constant in the history of the Apache People is their constant struggle to survive in a world where they are surrounded by various enemies, including other Indian tribes, the Mexicans and finally their brutal nemesis the United States Army. Attacked, tricked, lied to and double crossed by all of those who surround and outnumber them, the Apache people continued their struggle until they were for all intent and purposes almost totally wiped out. One Apache’s name stands out in their brave yet woeful history and it is Geronimo, who at age 30 witnessed the massacre of his mother, wife and two young children.I’ve taken his recollections or accounts of the struggle of the Apache people and intertwined them with some archeological facts about this extraordinary tribe. In addition, I have searched and included some of the best photos of Apaches from that era, which I collected from Library of Congress Archives. What impressed me most about Geronimo was his brevity of words, yet his ability to take a knife to the heart of anyone who reads his verbal history. Like most Apaches, Geronimo said little, but what he did say was profound and truthful. But most powerful is what Geronimo didn’t say in his recollections. It is between this silence one can feel the pain, sorrow, pride and bravery of the Apache People. Chet DembeckPublisher of One

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Native American, Native American History

46 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2011

Reviews

[Chris Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Indians

This book is rather more like an extensive paper a student might be required to write. The story is related to us through an interpreter for Geronimo. As I have aged, I am learning more about just how cruelly the US government treated the Native people. Yes, this is a short tale, but quite vivid in its telling. May we, the government, never treat our Native citizens like this again.

[Helen Scarfo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad history of the American Southwest

A clash of cultures and the greed for power has caused heartache, destruction, and a loss of identity to so many.

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geronimo does a good job of giving a fairly objective view of the relationship between the apaches and the USA government, the Mexicans, and other Indian tribes. even though it is from his perspective, he cannot hide the fact that most Indians, the apache included, were bloodthirsty. I don't think the Washington redskins should change their name because of the pressure from the nauseating politically correct. they should change their name so as not to glorify these drunk, blood thirsty, lazy pantheists. that would cause a stir! anyway, the book was interesting. more like a two and a half than a three, but a good historical read. Geronimo!!!!!!!!!

[Vinita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most often we get the point of view of the US in its wars and treaties. This is a rare, good find. I learned much about life for the Indians when the US was a much smaller country. The Apache had their hands full, keeping good relations with the Mexicans and the US. There are always a few good guys on the US side; more often these generals and others make up their own rules and treat the Indians and many Others shamefully. This fills in a bit of the Indian's side. I wish there was more.

[Kelli Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadness

This is a sad history of a terrible wrong. A history of people that lived by a decent and peaceful happy time that was taken away by complete morons that didn't,t have any feelings and kindness. I will never understand how so many people could be so heartless towards other human beings. I can only hope they are paying for it now. It breaks my heart and always will for them.

[Marlene Zefferys · Rating 2 out of 5]

Through Apache Eyes

Excellent story. The Recounting of the history was accurate. The Apache people suffered from the white man who also did similar things to Indian tribes across America. Wounded Knee was another example. I now want to read more about the problems the People had in Arizona.

[Sam Motes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abridged version of Geronimo Biography

Insightful read but not as good as the Geronimo Biography S M Barrett did with Geronimo. The passages where word for word from that book. Skip this and read Barrett's book instead is my suggestion.

[Phillip Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is great to read a book written from the American Indians point of view. The truth from the victim of Western aggressions has a lot to add to the real history. This book is very short, but I believe that it adds to the conversation.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title is disceiving. I was hoping for a more intamate look at life and struggle, but the read was more like "we did this and the whiteman did that and there was battle."

[Santino Maulucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting because it was written by a Indian. I noticed that the Indians were at fault and the "white man" was at fault also.