Totem Casts a Shadow

by Margaret E. Bell

historical fiction of the haida Indians in Klinkwan, Alaska in the 1880's

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1949

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series about the Monroe family, pioneers in Alaska in 1887. It's light historical romance for young adults.

In this book Florence now lives with her mother in their new home in Klinkwan, where Ma tries to keep everything as genteel as it was in Victoria. But they are the only white people on Prince of Wales Island. The Haida Indians have a village nearby and Pa has forbidden the Monroes to cross over a line and have anything to do with them. It's okay to sell them blankets in his store but no fraternizing. Brother Greg, who is not meant for such a life, learns to speak Haida. Pa is away when the old Indian Chief dies. Greg warns the family that there will be a power play for rulership of the tribe but older brother Alec, the head of the family in Pa's place, plays down the danger. The wailing goes on for days until everyone is on edge. When the Indian girl Nakatla comes to warn them at peril to herself, Greg does the only honorable thing he can do regardless of what happens to him.

I found myself disliking Pa, who knew everything and ruled his wife and adult children with an iron fist. No one was allowed an opinion or to answer a decree he set, whether it be fair or not. Florence's love for Beldon Craig deepens and they become engaged.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is still not over, but I can't figure out what book comes next. Sigh.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for young adults with historical background.

[Laura Aase · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continuing my retro rereads I am appalled at the blatant racism ! Florence is living with her parents side by side with the heathens and not finding anything interesting or non terrifying- side by side ignoring! Even with their kindness and protection she can’t wait to get out of her smokey clothes! Only when her brother runs away with an Indian woman does she change her opinions and accept him anyway! Her horrible bigoted father and older brother are very unlikeable! The conflict in this story was Florence and her mom and brother go to a “haunted” area for cranberries and shoot a wolf-;which is the totem of the tribe next door. The chief dies and many are convinced that the wolf is his spirit and they caused the death when they killed the wolf. As tribal members vie for the chief spot Gregory helps convince them that the chief’s choice is the good choice.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish family in the Alaskan wilderness whose stern patriarch is determined to "civilize" the native Haida. His unwavering position causes dissention in the family. Florence, the eldest daughter, waiting anxiously for the return of her fiance, finds herself torn between her filial duty and her lover for her brother.