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Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862
Two cultures met in Minnesota-one striving to maintain its homeland and traditions, another trying to create a life of freedom, prosperity, and abundance. Samuel Copeland was just a teenager in 1859 when he and his family left Vermont for the promise of a new life in Minnesota. But life is harder and more dangerous than he expected. Devastated by the loss of his father at the hands of Indians and seeking to protect his brother, Samuel joins the Union army believing he'd be safe on the frontier. WaabiskiMakwa was still a boy in 1850 when his father perished at Sandy Lake because of the negligence of U.S. government officials. Seeing his way of life crumbling around him, WaabiskiMakwa leaves his home to mourn his father and seek a new way, one that includes his lost-love, Agnes. Seeking their own solutions, neither Waabi or Samuel could see the collision course their paths had been set upon by a world in conflict. War was in their future and it was inevitable. But when war breaks out, and their cultures collide, so do their individual paths. Though they can't stop the war, maybe they can help each other. Fueled by years of mistreatment and seeing the opportunity provided by the War with the South, Dakota spokesman Little Crow and Ojibwe leader Bagone-giizhig, join forces in an effort to reclaim their Native lands. Spurred by early victories over Fort Ridgley and New Ulm, the Dakota-Ojibwe Alliance heads north to Fort Snelling, the beacon of American strength in the region. Once thought impenetrable, the fort and its small group of volunteer militia fights to hang on when a new enemy arrives from the West. In Reclaiming Mni Sota, the true and lasting results of history are challenged. Acting as individuals, striving to protect ourselves and our families, it's impossible to understand our role and impact in the much larger march of time. The United States is an abundant, beautiful land filled with wealth and opportunity, but its history is scarred by inequity and loss. What if the defeated became the victors? What would that mean for the world today and how would that illuminate the wrongs of the past?
316 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
75 people are currently reading
2723 people want to read
About the author
Colin Mustful
19 books48 followersColin Mustful writes a unique cross-genre utilizing elements of fiction and nonfiction in order to tell compelling stories that inform and entertain. The author’s work focusses on the tragic and complicated history surrounding the largely unknown and misunderstood event of the U.S. – Dakota War of 1862. Using a variety of sources, author Colin Mustful objectively considers this important part of Minnesota history through multiple perspectives and necessary historical context. The result is an educational narrative that includes fictional drama and a thought-provoking story.
In addition to his novels, the author has written several essays that delve into the subjugation and genocide of the Native American as well as the reasoning and justifications for such actions by those who have sought to expel, erase, and destroy western indigenous cultures. One such work includes the author’s Master’s Thesis entitled, The Generation of 1837: Attitudes, Policies, and Actions Toward Indian Populations of Argentina. This particular work analyzes the extinguishment of Pampas Indians throughout the nineteenth century as influenced and justified through the words and works of a group of political and intellectual elite known as the Generation of 1837. Regarding the Dakota Indians of Minnesota, the author has completed several works such as an essay entitled,Unwarranted Expulsion: The Removal of the Winnebago Indians. This work discusses the exile of the Winnebago Indians from the state of Minnesota as a result of the Dakota War despite their very limited involvement in the conflict. The author has also completed a work titled, A Welcome Tragedy: Factors that Led to the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862 in which the author concludes that the U.S.-Dakota War was the foreseeable result of years of misconduct, fraud and exploitation which was fostered by a corrupt Indian system.
Colin Mustful resides in Roseville, Minnesota and has a Master of Arts in History from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Currently, he is studying for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Augsburg University. In addition to writing, Colin is an avid soccer player and a frequent marathoner.
Colin Mustful resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a Master of Arts in History from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition to writing, Colin is an avid soccer player and a frequent marathoner.
In addition to his novels, the author has written several essays that delve into the subjugation and genocide of the Native American as well as the reasoning and justifications for such actions by those who have sought to expel, erase, and destroy western indigenous cultures. One such work includes the author’s Master’s Thesis entitled, The Generation of 1837: Attitudes, Policies, and Actions Toward Indian Populations of Argentina. This particular work analyzes the extinguishment of Pampas Indians throughout the nineteenth century as influenced and justified through the words and works of a group of political and intellectual elite known as the Generation of 1837. Regarding the Dakota Indians of Minnesota, the author has completed several works such as an essay entitled,Unwarranted Expulsion: The Removal of the Winnebago Indians. This work discusses the exile of the Winnebago Indians from the state of Minnesota as a result of the Dakota War despite their very limited involvement in the conflict. The author has also completed a work titled, A Welcome Tragedy: Factors that Led to the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862 in which the author concludes that the U.S.-Dakota War was the foreseeable result of years of misconduct, fraud and exploitation which was fostered by a corrupt Indian system.
Colin Mustful resides in Roseville, Minnesota and has a Master of Arts in History from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Currently, he is studying for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Augsburg University. In addition to writing, Colin is an avid soccer player and a frequent marathoner.
Colin Mustful resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has a Master of Arts in History from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition to writing, Colin is an avid soccer player and a frequent marathoner.
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July 17, 2023
Reclaiming Mini Sota weaves of a story of two individuals who come from different backgrounds. While they search for meaningful life, their paths cross. It’s a sad time of war where they stand on opposite sides. Despite that there is something that unites them.
In 1850, Waabi, from Ojibwe tribe, is ten when his father takes him hunting for the first time, when his people experience famine for the first time in his native Minnesota. He is taught to respect the land and its natural resources; to take only what is needed from the land for them to survive. Soon after, he experiences the first unjust treatment from the hands of white people, when they’re being relocated to a different piece of land. This results in anger growing among Indians.
In 1859, Samuel is fifteen when tragedy strikes his family in his native Vermont. When his family struggles to survive, he learns about the frontier land that’s open in the middle west. In the new territory, one of their encounters with the Indians teaches them that they’ve taken more from the land than they should have, and ends tragically. The life in the new territory turns out to be pretty challenging. Samuel needs to make another hard decision in his life.
This fascinating story brings two interesting characters that show how we can live peacefully despite our differences; respect. It is steeped in history that doesn’t overwhelm the story. It is engaging from the first pages and holds to the very end.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In 1850, Waabi, from Ojibwe tribe, is ten when his father takes him hunting for the first time, when his people experience famine for the first time in his native Minnesota. He is taught to respect the land and its natural resources; to take only what is needed from the land for them to survive. Soon after, he experiences the first unjust treatment from the hands of white people, when they’re being relocated to a different piece of land. This results in anger growing among Indians.
In 1859, Samuel is fifteen when tragedy strikes his family in his native Vermont. When his family struggles to survive, he learns about the frontier land that’s open in the middle west. In the new territory, one of their encounters with the Indians teaches them that they’ve taken more from the land than they should have, and ends tragically. The life in the new territory turns out to be pretty challenging. Samuel needs to make another hard decision in his life.
This fascinating story brings two interesting characters that show how we can live peacefully despite our differences; respect. It is steeped in history that doesn’t overwhelm the story. It is engaging from the first pages and holds to the very end.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2023
Colin Mustful has done a very good job in writing what he calls an "alternate" historical fiction novel. Not revisionism, but rather a thoughtful book that turns history upside down.. At its heart, this is a story of two young men. Waabi is seen as a young Ojibwa Indian who goes to a missionary school and whose family tries to live in accordance with the peace treaties. Samuel, is the son of a Vermont family who moves to Minnesota after the promise of free land and great prospects for prosperity. We follow these two through alternating chapters of the book and the author gives us a very good and sympathetic backstory for each young man and their respective families. Samuel's family relies on government claims about life in Minnesota, while Waabi's family does the same with regard to the numerous peace treaties which move the Ojibwa tribes out of their traditional lands and onto smaller and smaller areas, as well as the hardships they encountered due to decreased allotments of money and food from the government. Something has to give and this leads us to the Dakota Wars of 1862 in which Waabi now becomes part of a Native American Army and Samuel is in the US military - something neither of these two really wanted but are put their by circumstances beyond their control.
I will be the first to admit that while I knew a lot about numerous battles and wars in the midwest and southwest, the Dakota Wars is something that I know very little about, but despite that it is a book about humanity and lack there of by both sides. Both young men and their families are innocent victims in this War. The author has given us an authentic and well thought out book. Yes, it is alternative history, but the focus is on the individuals and not so much the reversal of history. Also we see natural resources come into play as both the Ojibwa people and Samuel's family had a tragic episode over who has the right to cranberries grown in that territory, the epilogue fast forwards to today where a lawsuit once again tries to figure out who has the right to the cranberries grown in that region. A very good, and very easy read that is hard to put down until we come to the very end!
I will be the first to admit that while I knew a lot about numerous battles and wars in the midwest and southwest, the Dakota Wars is something that I know very little about, but despite that it is a book about humanity and lack there of by both sides. Both young men and their families are innocent victims in this War. The author has given us an authentic and well thought out book. Yes, it is alternative history, but the focus is on the individuals and not so much the reversal of history. Also we see natural resources come into play as both the Ojibwa people and Samuel's family had a tragic episode over who has the right to cranberries grown in that territory, the epilogue fast forwards to today where a lawsuit once again tries to figure out who has the right to the cranberries grown in that region. A very good, and very easy read that is hard to put down until we come to the very end!
September 18, 2023
I was lucky enough to have been given a paperback copy of Reclaiming Mni Sota by author Colin Mustful in exchange for an unsolicited honest review.
Reclaiming Mni Soto: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 was a very well written historical fiction novel by Colin Mustful. He brilliantly reimagined the events and outcome of the Dakota War of 1862. I had known little to nothing about this tragic war before I read this compelling book. It was a time in U.S. history when struggling white men and their families decided to travel west to seek new lives and better opportunities in the Minnesota territory. Samuel Copeland’s family was one of those families who left their home in Vermont and made the long and dangerous journey to make a new life In Minnesota. As Samuel Copeland and his family began their journey across the United States to Minnesota, a young boy, WasabishkiMakwa, known as Waabi to all who knew him, a member of the Ojibwe tribe, became another victim along with the members of his tribe of the false promises made by the United States government. The people of the Ojibwe tribe were promised that they would never have to leave their land and homes if they allowed the U.S. government to mine the copper found on their lands. In exchange for the copper, the U.S. government promised the Ojibwe people that they could stay on the land they resided on and that they would give them food, clothing, ammunition and anything else they needed for survival. Now they were reneging on that promise. A representative of the United States government informed the people of the Ojibwe tribe that “the Legislative Assembly of the newly created Minnesota Territory determined that the Lake Superior Ojibwe living upon the ceded territory should be removed to the unceded territory.” Both Samuel and Waabi would be forced to fight for the land where they lived. The Dakota War of 1862 was long, violent and difficult for all involved.
Reclaiming Mni Soto was the story of both Samuel and Waabi told in alternating chapters. Both Samuel and Waabi lost their fathers when they were young and in tragic circumstances that ended up haunting both boys throughout their lives. Eventually, their paths crossed in a way that was both meaningful yet painfully tragic. Colin Mustful’s research for Reclaiming Mni Sota was impeccable. He allowed his readers to glimpse a “what if” situation. Although it never happened, Colin Mustful gave his readers a glimpse into what might had been if only the Ojibwa and Dakota tribes had put their differences aside and fought together to persevere their land. If they had fought the United States Army together, history might have been completely different. Reclaiming Mni Sota was that story.
Reclaiming Mni Soto was a very thought provoking book. It really made me reflect upon the way Ingenious people were taken advantage of by the United States government all those years ago. I can not even begin to imagine how the Ingenious people feel about the way they were treated and all that was taken away from them. Reclaiming Mni Soto made me think about those things in a deeper sense. As a nation, we must fight harder to educate all and provide a better understanding about people that are different from us. Racism, discrimination, antisemitism and ignorance must be eliminated from our lives. Hopefully, someday we will find a way for that to happen. I really enjoyed reading Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 by Colin Mustful and highly recommend it. Publication is set for October 10, 2023.
Reclaiming Mni Soto: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 was a very well written historical fiction novel by Colin Mustful. He brilliantly reimagined the events and outcome of the Dakota War of 1862. I had known little to nothing about this tragic war before I read this compelling book. It was a time in U.S. history when struggling white men and their families decided to travel west to seek new lives and better opportunities in the Minnesota territory. Samuel Copeland’s family was one of those families who left their home in Vermont and made the long and dangerous journey to make a new life In Minnesota. As Samuel Copeland and his family began their journey across the United States to Minnesota, a young boy, WasabishkiMakwa, known as Waabi to all who knew him, a member of the Ojibwe tribe, became another victim along with the members of his tribe of the false promises made by the United States government. The people of the Ojibwe tribe were promised that they would never have to leave their land and homes if they allowed the U.S. government to mine the copper found on their lands. In exchange for the copper, the U.S. government promised the Ojibwe people that they could stay on the land they resided on and that they would give them food, clothing, ammunition and anything else they needed for survival. Now they were reneging on that promise. A representative of the United States government informed the people of the Ojibwe tribe that “the Legislative Assembly of the newly created Minnesota Territory determined that the Lake Superior Ojibwe living upon the ceded territory should be removed to the unceded territory.” Both Samuel and Waabi would be forced to fight for the land where they lived. The Dakota War of 1862 was long, violent and difficult for all involved.
Reclaiming Mni Soto was the story of both Samuel and Waabi told in alternating chapters. Both Samuel and Waabi lost their fathers when they were young and in tragic circumstances that ended up haunting both boys throughout their lives. Eventually, their paths crossed in a way that was both meaningful yet painfully tragic. Colin Mustful’s research for Reclaiming Mni Sota was impeccable. He allowed his readers to glimpse a “what if” situation. Although it never happened, Colin Mustful gave his readers a glimpse into what might had been if only the Ojibwa and Dakota tribes had put their differences aside and fought together to persevere their land. If they had fought the United States Army together, history might have been completely different. Reclaiming Mni Sota was that story.
Reclaiming Mni Soto was a very thought provoking book. It really made me reflect upon the way Ingenious people were taken advantage of by the United States government all those years ago. I can not even begin to imagine how the Ingenious people feel about the way they were treated and all that was taken away from them. Reclaiming Mni Soto made me think about those things in a deeper sense. As a nation, we must fight harder to educate all and provide a better understanding about people that are different from us. Racism, discrimination, antisemitism and ignorance must be eliminated from our lives. Hopefully, someday we will find a way for that to happen. I really enjoyed reading Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 by Colin Mustful and highly recommend it. Publication is set for October 10, 2023.
June 4, 2023
Reclaiming Mni Sota explores the question “What if the Native Americans won the US-Dakota War of 1862.” Rather than creating a merely speculative what if, Mustful approaches this account of alternative history with much thought and empathy, providing great depth and attention to detail in this under-explored moment in U.S. history.
The novel is told from the dual-perspectives of Samuel, a white settler who has moved west to Minnesota with his family, and Waabi, an Ojibwe who has grown up among natives and white settlers alike. Mustful uses the first part of the novel to set up these characters, allowing us to see them grow, and experience the most significant moments of their lives prior to the U.S.-Dakota War. This character-focused approach made the people and time period feel all the more real. When the war began, I was so engrossed in these characters’ lives that I couldn’t put the book down, eager to learn whether they’d survive.
The genocide of the Native Americans is one of the darkest events in U.S. history. Though this novel is alternative history, it remains honest about portraying the horrors of this event. The novel provides no easy answers, instead giving the material the nuanced approach it deserves. As a result, Mustful shows the human cost of two groups of people going to war and the hellish casualties this causes on both sides, regardless of the outcome.
In addition to the exceptional character work, I highly recommend reading this book for the level of detail and research that’s gone into portraying the customs and traditions of the Ojibwe, as well as the visceral battle scenes–the kind of writing I come across all too rarely in fiction being published today. This novel is a must read for anyone interested in U.S. history!
Thank you to History Through Fiction for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is told from the dual-perspectives of Samuel, a white settler who has moved west to Minnesota with his family, and Waabi, an Ojibwe who has grown up among natives and white settlers alike. Mustful uses the first part of the novel to set up these characters, allowing us to see them grow, and experience the most significant moments of their lives prior to the U.S.-Dakota War. This character-focused approach made the people and time period feel all the more real. When the war began, I was so engrossed in these characters’ lives that I couldn’t put the book down, eager to learn whether they’d survive.
The genocide of the Native Americans is one of the darkest events in U.S. history. Though this novel is alternative history, it remains honest about portraying the horrors of this event. The novel provides no easy answers, instead giving the material the nuanced approach it deserves. As a result, Mustful shows the human cost of two groups of people going to war and the hellish casualties this causes on both sides, regardless of the outcome.
In addition to the exceptional character work, I highly recommend reading this book for the level of detail and research that’s gone into portraying the customs and traditions of the Ojibwe, as well as the visceral battle scenes–the kind of writing I come across all too rarely in fiction being published today. This novel is a must read for anyone interested in U.S. history!
Thank you to History Through Fiction for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2023
This was an excellent read. it goes into some depth with the personal relationships of the main characters and in doing so, builds empathy and understanding of their plight when conflict arose between Native Americans and white settlers. it attempts to write an alternative history with a Native American narrative and while it explains this well, also incorporates the white settler point of view. There is no HEA, and the book, while not going into too much blood and gore does not shirk in exploring the brutality of a war. One important feature is that the epilogue establishes the historic legacy of this conflict and highlights the importance of family tradition passed down through generations. The book gives plenty to think about and attempts to address the imbalance in our mainly white history that is passed down through our education.
May 17, 2023
Such a wonderful story of historical fiction about how humans interact with each other about traditions and homelands. Samuel is innovating and adventurous while Waabi wants to retain the statis quo for his native people. I admired both for what they were trying to accomplish. There is much tragedy throughout their stories and it is quite shocking to know what happened to the early settlers. I laughed, I cried, but mostly I learned. Thank you Colin Mustful for an awesome read, I loved the glossary, recommended reading and the list of other books by History Through Fiction in the back of the book! I would have liked a historical map of where the different locations were. I've become a fan and look forward to more stories!
August 8, 2023
I will admit I went into reading this with minimal awareness of this tragic period in history- and, realistically, mostly of the narrative told from the white/ conqueror’s perspective, which is all we were ever taught in school. Something I definitely want to address and rectify. So I appreciate the perspective provided in this work of historical fiction, which seeks to provide a more balanced view as it works towards an outcome skewed away from what actually happened and more towards somewhere between Native American victory and peaceful coexistence. If only. This definitely leaves the reader with much to ponder.
Thank you Colin Mustful, History Through Fiction, and NetGalley and for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Colin Mustful, History Through Fiction, and NetGalley and for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2023
This book offers an interesting take of how differently the US - Dakota War of 1862 could've turned out. It's told through the alternating perspectives of Waabi, a Native American, and white farmer, Samuel.
I liked this audiobook enough to keep listening, though admittedly, there were times the writing felt a bit disjointed. I especially liked Waabi's character, learning about the language and cultures of the Ojibwa and Dakota peoples, and seeing two different perspectives of the westward expansion of the US government.
I hope this author continues to explore alternate histories in his future writing.
3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and History Through Fiction for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked this audiobook enough to keep listening, though admittedly, there were times the writing felt a bit disjointed. I especially liked Waabi's character, learning about the language and cultures of the Ojibwa and Dakota peoples, and seeing two different perspectives of the westward expansion of the US government.
I hope this author continues to explore alternate histories in his future writing.
3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and History Through Fiction for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 4, 2023
Prepare for a heart-wrenching ride through nineteenth-century Minnesota, as Indians struggle to maintain their way of life while white families arriving from the East settle on the land. Using the alternating perspectives of two boys—Samuel, who has come from Vermont to Minnesota with his family, and Waabi, who lives on that land with his own family—novelist Colin Mustful skillfully portrays their two seemingly opposed world views, following the boys to adulthood. Readers will know that the clash between the Indians and the white settlers ends violently, and they will know from the early pages that Mustful crafts an alternative history, but as the tension of the novel builds, readers will not know who lives, who dies, who learns, or who suffers in shame. Mustful has written a major historical novel, enlightening his readers on multiple levels. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2023
This book provides an alternate look at how life would be different both in 1862 and now had the Native Americans won the 1862 uprising that occurred in Minnesota. This book was a fascinating read and hard to put down. The story is told through the life and experiences of a Native American Waabi from the Ojibway tribe and Samuel a white settler coming from Vermont to Minnesota for a new start.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I grew up on a farm not far from Fort Ridgely and have visited the fort numerous times. I have many family living in New Ulm and surrounding areas. It was interesting to think of the many places I know, and how they would have changed and maybe not even existed, had the Native Americans been the victors.
I definitely recommend this book especially for book clubs. This book and all the "what if's" would be a fascinating topic of discussion!
This book was received from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. I grew up on a farm not far from Fort Ridgely and have visited the fort numerous times. I have many family living in New Ulm and surrounding areas. It was interesting to think of the many places I know, and how they would have changed and maybe not even existed, had the Native Americans been the victors.
I definitely recommend this book especially for book clubs. This book and all the "what if's" would be a fascinating topic of discussion!
This book was received from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2023
“Goodreads Win”
I really enjoyed this book because of the prospective of two cultures in a favorable light. The book is not about good versus evil, wrong or right, or pointing blame like a lot of books and the current media and American culture. Instead we see how worlds can collide and how human struggles, sacrifices and ones search for the meaning of life is something that unites people. If only we ALL can look at the past and not see it as a reason to hold onto anger but a study guide to make sure we do not repeat the past and to be thankful for what we have now despite our painful past as well as not create problems that don’t exist in order to feel vindicated for our ancestors hardship no matter your background.
To me a book review shouldn’t be a brief synopsis of what the book is about per se, but how it makes you feel, what you take from it, whether it left you in a better place or not.
Definitely a must read… and please feel free tell me how you feel after reading this book and what you take from it!
HAPPY FALL READING
🍁 ☕️ 📚 🍁 🍃 🎃 🌲
I really enjoyed this book because of the prospective of two cultures in a favorable light. The book is not about good versus evil, wrong or right, or pointing blame like a lot of books and the current media and American culture. Instead we see how worlds can collide and how human struggles, sacrifices and ones search for the meaning of life is something that unites people. If only we ALL can look at the past and not see it as a reason to hold onto anger but a study guide to make sure we do not repeat the past and to be thankful for what we have now despite our painful past as well as not create problems that don’t exist in order to feel vindicated for our ancestors hardship no matter your background.
To me a book review shouldn’t be a brief synopsis of what the book is about per se, but how it makes you feel, what you take from it, whether it left you in a better place or not.
Definitely a must read… and please feel free tell me how you feel after reading this book and what you take from it!
HAPPY FALL READING
🍁 ☕️ 📚 🍁 🍃 🎃 🌲
August 31, 2023
Alternating the story between Waabi, an Ojibwe youngster/family in Minnesota/Wisconsin and Samuel, a EuroAmerican youngster/family in the middle years of the nineteenth century.
Dakota War of 1862 was bloody and demeaning to the people who were there first, but this book offers an alternative view and resolution. The book was meaningful and very good.
Scott Fleming did an interesting interpretation in narrating the audiobook.
I requested and received a free temporary audiobook from History Through Fiction, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks via NetGalley. Thank you!
Dakota War of 1862 was bloody and demeaning to the people who were there first, but this book offers an alternative view and resolution. The book was meaningful and very good.
Scott Fleming did an interesting interpretation in narrating the audiobook.
I requested and received a free temporary audiobook from History Through Fiction, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks via NetGalley. Thank you!
October 2, 2023
I had a really hard time with this book. If it hadn't been an arc for a review I would have dnf'd around 10%. The first half of the book drug on painfully and did nothing to capture my attention with Samuel's POV. There was no one in Samuel's family that I thought was a strong or likable character and the time spent with them felt like a waste.
The second half of the book was much better but was still not enough to make me thoroughly enjoy reading this story.
I was so excited for this book. You can tell that it was extremely well-researched and a significant amount of time and thought was put into the portrayal of the Native Americans with a more favorable outcome to US Dakota War. But, it really landed flat. I did like the ending and the peak into what part of our country would have looked like with a true mesh of two worlds.
The second half of the book was much better but was still not enough to make me thoroughly enjoy reading this story.
I was so excited for this book. You can tell that it was extremely well-researched and a significant amount of time and thought was put into the portrayal of the Native Americans with a more favorable outcome to US Dakota War. But, it really landed flat. I did like the ending and the peak into what part of our country would have looked like with a true mesh of two worlds.
October 10, 2023
This is now one of my favorite books!
The story follows 2 young men from adolescence to adulthood; both from completely different lifestyles. Waabi is growing up in his Indian tribe, learning all the ways of Indian life while also learning the ways of the white man. Samuel is growing up in a mill town in Vermont.
Samuel and Waabi eventually meet after many trials and battles. They discover that, even though they are completely different, they are also the same.
The second story within this story is the reimagined outcome of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862. The author draws the reader deeply into the two lives in a way that allows us to see and feel the hearts of the people of the time. More than just reading about history and knowing the facts and dates, the author shows us the day to day struggles on both sides.
As the author says, “This story is an alternate history of the U.S.” I say … it’s a good one! Everyone should read this book. It will pull on your heart strings.
The story follows 2 young men from adolescence to adulthood; both from completely different lifestyles. Waabi is growing up in his Indian tribe, learning all the ways of Indian life while also learning the ways of the white man. Samuel is growing up in a mill town in Vermont.
Samuel and Waabi eventually meet after many trials and battles. They discover that, even though they are completely different, they are also the same.
The second story within this story is the reimagined outcome of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862. The author draws the reader deeply into the two lives in a way that allows us to see and feel the hearts of the people of the time. More than just reading about history and knowing the facts and dates, the author shows us the day to day struggles on both sides.
As the author says, “This story is an alternate history of the U.S.” I say … it’s a good one! Everyone should read this book. It will pull on your heart strings.
August 25, 2023
This is a fascinating alternate history of the US - Dakota War of 1862. Historic events are cleverly used to tell the stories of Samuel (the white man) and Waabi (the native Ojibwe) who are growing up and finding out how the world works and how they fit in.
Waabi is striving to protect his homeland and maintaining his traditions, and Samuel is trying to create a life of freedom, prosperity, and abundance with his family by relocating from Vermont to Minnesota to settle on land previously used by the Ojibwe and rivalling groups.
Informative, eye-opening and thought-provoking, especially for someone like me who's never heard about this part of American history as it just wasn't part of my European school curriculum.
Waabi is striving to protect his homeland and maintaining his traditions, and Samuel is trying to create a life of freedom, prosperity, and abundance with his family by relocating from Vermont to Minnesota to settle on land previously used by the Ojibwe and rivalling groups.
Informative, eye-opening and thought-provoking, especially for someone like me who's never heard about this part of American history as it just wasn't part of my European school curriculum.
October 11, 2023
Growing up in Minnesota, we learned very little about Indigenous history in school. There were the Indians who were kind to the Pilgrims, welcoming their new White neighbors with open arms and pumpkin pie. There was the confusion over where Columbus actually was when he landed in the New World, which accounted for there being two groups of people from different parts of the world being called Indians. I vaguely recall hearing about the Trail of Tears, but certainly not with a nuanced look at who was responsible for sending the Cherokee westward, nor any description of resistance—violent or otherwise—on the part of those who were forced from their homes. I was probably in my thirties the first time I ever heard that the largest mass execution in US history took place in Minnesota, just two hours away from my hometown, when 38 Dakota men met their death at the hands of the US government. This book, Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 by Colin Mustful, helped me understand so much more about the real history of my home state—of both the Indigenous people who were treated inhumanely and the settlers who were caught up in the government’s attempts to eradicate the rightful stewards of this beautiful land, often with little to no awareness of the treachery that paved the way for them to become landowners.
The story is a dual narrative featuring two young men, Waabi (Ojibwe) and Samuel (White). Economic circumstances and the complete absence of a social safety net in Vermont led Samuel and his family to accept the offer of traveling to the newly-established state of Minnesota to claim land they were told was free for the taking. His story eventually intersects with Waabi’s, who lost many members of his family due to the government’s failure to fulfill the agreements they made (e.g., annuity payments) as the White people sent to live there—some to claim their share of “Manifest Destiny,” some to instill Christian values and culture—infiltrated their way of life.
Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 is beautifully crafted and compelling. It features empathetic, multidimensional characters; detailed battle scenes that place the reader right on the front lines; and a nuanced explication of how the historical characters arrived at each point of conflict as well as an intriguing reimagining of Minnesota’s/Mni Sota’s future had things turned out differently. As a beta reader of the first draft of this original manuscript, I have read Reclaiming Mni Sota multiple times, and I continue to be surprised at the despicable actions of those in power, the lack of understanding of the broader political situation on the part of the White settlers, and the strategic resistance employed by Indigenous people. Most recently, I listened to the audio version of this book, in which voice actor Scott Fleming does a masterful job of bringing the story to life.
The mission of the History Through Fiction press is “to provide readers with a compelling narrative that also acts as a valuable historical resource,” and Reclaiming Mni Sota meets this goal completely. It is extremely well-researched, culturally sensitive, and important. I highly recommend this novel to every person interested in Indigenous history, Indigenous/settler relations, Minnesota history, and critical storytelling.
The story is a dual narrative featuring two young men, Waabi (Ojibwe) and Samuel (White). Economic circumstances and the complete absence of a social safety net in Vermont led Samuel and his family to accept the offer of traveling to the newly-established state of Minnesota to claim land they were told was free for the taking. His story eventually intersects with Waabi’s, who lost many members of his family due to the government’s failure to fulfill the agreements they made (e.g., annuity payments) as the White people sent to live there—some to claim their share of “Manifest Destiny,” some to instill Christian values and culture—infiltrated their way of life.
Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 is beautifully crafted and compelling. It features empathetic, multidimensional characters; detailed battle scenes that place the reader right on the front lines; and a nuanced explication of how the historical characters arrived at each point of conflict as well as an intriguing reimagining of Minnesota’s/Mni Sota’s future had things turned out differently. As a beta reader of the first draft of this original manuscript, I have read Reclaiming Mni Sota multiple times, and I continue to be surprised at the despicable actions of those in power, the lack of understanding of the broader political situation on the part of the White settlers, and the strategic resistance employed by Indigenous people. Most recently, I listened to the audio version of this book, in which voice actor Scott Fleming does a masterful job of bringing the story to life.
The mission of the History Through Fiction press is “to provide readers with a compelling narrative that also acts as a valuable historical resource,” and Reclaiming Mni Sota meets this goal completely. It is extremely well-researched, culturally sensitive, and important. I highly recommend this novel to every person interested in Indigenous history, Indigenous/settler relations, Minnesota history, and critical storytelling.
November 27, 2023
Colin Mustful is a writer and historian who has already written several novels set in the 19th century, exploring the lives, displacement, and genocide of indigenous peoples – particularly in the area of Minnesota and the American Midwest. His website states that they are meant as “compelling stories that also act as educational resources”, and he is the founder of the publisher History Through Fiction.
Reclaiming Mini Sota: An Alternative History of the U.S. – Dakota War of 1862 is his first work of alternative history, and his introduction touches on his motivations and goals. As a lifelong non-Native resident of Minnesota, he acknowledges the benefits he has gained from the history of violent displacement and wishes to approach his years of research in a new way, highlighting history’s conversation with the present
The Dakota War of 1862 was a small conflict with large repercussions – a regional uprising of several Sioux bands that resulted in several hundred recorded deaths, the forcible removal of the many Dakota from Minnesota and the hanging of thirty-eight Dakota men, the largest mass execution in United States History. In his novel, Mustful follows much of the documented history, but also speculates on how things may have gone differently if several of the major figures had taken different paths.
Reclaiming Mini Sota does not follow any of those historical figures, but charts how two characters become involved in the conflict – Waabi, a young Ojibwe who loses almost everything in the lead-up to the war, and Samuel, a white Vermont boy who convinces his family to go out West to the promise of free and open land. Most of the first half of the novel charts their path to that moment, bound together only by loss and a love for Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. Mustful gives a great deal of context of their ways of life and does an excellent job illustrating the motivations of settlers to move and the displaced to push back. No one is exonerated for their actions, but likewise we have sympathy for why many did as they did.
The narrative does drag in the middle third, and the dialogue occasionally veers into the didactic and instructional rather than organic. The turn from historical to alternative-history does not occur until almost three-quarters of the way through the book, and the final denouement comes on rather suddenly. I wish he spent more time on some of the later plot-threads, particularly the groups whose actions brought about the alternative present, who I feel were underrepresented. I was also initially shocked by the endings for a couple pivotal characters, but sitting in it, I think I better understand the sadness and injustice that Mustful was trying to relate. In all it was enjoyable on its own, but I think it would be well-placed along with reading on the history (of which the author makes many suggestions) or as part of a class. It would certainly be appropriate for young-adult students learning about the United State’s history of forced displacement, and looking forward to how the future could be a better, more just place.
Reclaiming Mini Sota: An Alternative History of the U.S. – Dakota War of 1862 is his first work of alternative history, and his introduction touches on his motivations and goals. As a lifelong non-Native resident of Minnesota, he acknowledges the benefits he has gained from the history of violent displacement and wishes to approach his years of research in a new way, highlighting history’s conversation with the present
The Dakota War of 1862 was a small conflict with large repercussions – a regional uprising of several Sioux bands that resulted in several hundred recorded deaths, the forcible removal of the many Dakota from Minnesota and the hanging of thirty-eight Dakota men, the largest mass execution in United States History. In his novel, Mustful follows much of the documented history, but also speculates on how things may have gone differently if several of the major figures had taken different paths.
Reclaiming Mini Sota does not follow any of those historical figures, but charts how two characters become involved in the conflict – Waabi, a young Ojibwe who loses almost everything in the lead-up to the war, and Samuel, a white Vermont boy who convinces his family to go out West to the promise of free and open land. Most of the first half of the novel charts their path to that moment, bound together only by loss and a love for Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. Mustful gives a great deal of context of their ways of life and does an excellent job illustrating the motivations of settlers to move and the displaced to push back. No one is exonerated for their actions, but likewise we have sympathy for why many did as they did.
The narrative does drag in the middle third, and the dialogue occasionally veers into the didactic and instructional rather than organic. The turn from historical to alternative-history does not occur until almost three-quarters of the way through the book, and the final denouement comes on rather suddenly. I wish he spent more time on some of the later plot-threads, particularly the groups whose actions brought about the alternative present, who I feel were underrepresented. I was also initially shocked by the endings for a couple pivotal characters, but sitting in it, I think I better understand the sadness and injustice that Mustful was trying to relate. In all it was enjoyable on its own, but I think it would be well-placed along with reading on the history (of which the author makes many suggestions) or as part of a class. It would certainly be appropriate for young-adult students learning about the United State’s history of forced displacement, and looking forward to how the future could be a better, more just place.
August 16, 2023
This book was an alternate history of the U. S. - Dakota war of 1862. A novel with an interesting premise of what if the Indigenous People won the war that, in reality, they lost?
The author is a gifted writer with a knack for creating compelling characters. This reader became very invested in both of the protagonists as the story progressed.
Samuel, the young boy who encouraged his family to move west when they were having financial difficulties after his father was injured, was a kind lad who wanted the best for his family. Sadly, they had a rough time in their home of Vermont and that lure of a new life in the west wasn’t all it was promised to be in the brochure he picked up one day. Lots of hardships were in store for this family. Samuel blamed himself for the woes of his family.
Waabi, an Ojibwe, was also a young lad who adored his family and his culture. He was one with the land as his ancestors were. He watched as his world changed and promises made by the government officials were made and broken over and over. He was also witness to hunger of his people as well as land grabs of the white settlers. This could have made him butter and angry, but with the help of his grandmother, he was able to avoid that.
The trials these young men went through shaped their personalities and lives. They each were compelled to act in certain ways by their experiences.
The novel alternates between the two young men and their viewpoint of their respective worlds. Both are written as sympathetic characters. This reader found herself rooting for a good outcome for each of them. Being drawn into each one’s struggles and disappointments made for compelling reading.
The reader knew we were on a collision course for these two protagonists to meet. What wasn’t known was how their lives would intersect and how they’d be impacted. It kept this reader turning the pages.
I enjoyed the story up until the last few chapters and the epilogue. The fate of one of the characters seemed to me to be jarring and out of keeping with the rest of the story. I’m sure other reviewers may disagree with me but I wasn’t pleased with that angle of the story. I also felt like the reader was left hanging with the fate of the other character. There was no satisfactory wrap up.
Then the epilogue was a bit disconcerting. It took place in the modern day. That was interesting and the words of the character’s ruling were well stated, but who she was and why her name was the same as a character in the 1860s was never explained. Leaving this reader wondering what her relationship was with that other character. That question unanswered as well as the question of the ultimate fate of that other character left me dissatisfied with the way the book ended.
Overall, the book was well written and thought provoking. The history of the white man in this country and the way the native culture and land was overrun is a sad reflection on the settlers of this continent.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The author is a gifted writer with a knack for creating compelling characters. This reader became very invested in both of the protagonists as the story progressed.
Samuel, the young boy who encouraged his family to move west when they were having financial difficulties after his father was injured, was a kind lad who wanted the best for his family. Sadly, they had a rough time in their home of Vermont and that lure of a new life in the west wasn’t all it was promised to be in the brochure he picked up one day. Lots of hardships were in store for this family. Samuel blamed himself for the woes of his family.
Waabi, an Ojibwe, was also a young lad who adored his family and his culture. He was one with the land as his ancestors were. He watched as his world changed and promises made by the government officials were made and broken over and over. He was also witness to hunger of his people as well as land grabs of the white settlers. This could have made him butter and angry, but with the help of his grandmother, he was able to avoid that.
The trials these young men went through shaped their personalities and lives. They each were compelled to act in certain ways by their experiences.
The novel alternates between the two young men and their viewpoint of their respective worlds. Both are written as sympathetic characters. This reader found herself rooting for a good outcome for each of them. Being drawn into each one’s struggles and disappointments made for compelling reading.
The reader knew we were on a collision course for these two protagonists to meet. What wasn’t known was how their lives would intersect and how they’d be impacted. It kept this reader turning the pages.
I enjoyed the story up until the last few chapters and the epilogue. The fate of one of the characters seemed to me to be jarring and out of keeping with the rest of the story. I’m sure other reviewers may disagree with me but I wasn’t pleased with that angle of the story. I also felt like the reader was left hanging with the fate of the other character. There was no satisfactory wrap up.
Then the epilogue was a bit disconcerting. It took place in the modern day. That was interesting and the words of the character’s ruling were well stated, but who she was and why her name was the same as a character in the 1860s was never explained. Leaving this reader wondering what her relationship was with that other character. That question unanswered as well as the question of the ultimate fate of that other character left me dissatisfied with the way the book ended.
Overall, the book was well written and thought provoking. The history of the white man in this country and the way the native culture and land was overrun is a sad reflection on the settlers of this continent.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 20, 2023
"We are like two leaves fallen from separate trees but blown by the same wind."
"I will help protect your brother, the one you carry with you...who gave you the words found in 'Leaves of Grass'."
Wasabishki Makwa (Waabi), age ten, had never hunted. His father, Giizhigoon told his son, "if we are steadfast together, the Great Spirit will end our famine." The winter camp of five families (near Bad River, Minnesota in 1850) had been surviving on rice, blueberries and seeds. After shooting a deer with bow and arrow, Giizhigoon explained, "We do not kill the deer...we allow the deer to give itself to us...We are grateful for the deer of the forest...we ask for happiness and long life, here, where our ancestors are buried...where our fathers and grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers, lived before us, free from the dangers of war, protected from the growing presence of the white man and his hunger for our land." Survival required taking only what was needed from the land and its animals and providing an offering of tobacco for the gifts received.
Starting in the 1850's, the United States Government Treaties signed with the Dakota Sioux ceded vast acreage of Indian territory to the U.S. in exchange for money and supplies. The land was sold for pennies and a promise. Money and supplies earmarked for the Dakota was siphoned off by Indian agents who were in charge of distributing annuity payments to those now on reservations. By 1862, funds were often diverted to coffers to fight the Civil War. In August 1862, a clash of two cultures, the U.S.- Dakota War, would be fought in Minnesota. Both Waabi and Samuel's families endured the kind of conditions and hostilities leading to the conflict.
In 1850, an entourage of canoes traveled to Sandy Lake, Minnesota Territory to receive their yearly family annuity payments. The government agent who promised payment in October did not arrive until late November. Canoe travel home was made impossible by frozen waterways. Many Dakota died, including Waabi's father.
Samuel Copeland's family lived in Londonberry, Vermont. The family was just scraping by when his father was injured at the sawmill. Samuel, a young teenager, worked hard to ensure the family's survival. A stranger who came to town handed out flyers about frontier land, free land in the middle west. Millions of acres were open for settlement. All one had to do was claim it! Was this really unencumbered land?
After a grueling wagon journey to Minnesota, Samuel's family found an expansive parcel of unsurveyed land near a shallow creek. A nearby cranberry marsh would provide fruit for the winter with enough to sell at market in the spring. The cranberries, according to the Dakota, were not theirs to take.
Told in alternating chapters, Waabi and Samuel, each share their perspective leading up to, and including, the U.S.-Dakota War. "Reclaiming Mni Sota" by Colin Mustful is a reimagining of the outcome of the war, a look at Manifest Destiny challenging a traditional, ecological way of life. What would Minnesota look like if the Indians had won? Author Mustful presents a sensitive, empathetic perspective as seen from both sides of the conflict. A highly recommended read.
Thank you Colin Mustful and History Through Fiction for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"I will help protect your brother, the one you carry with you...who gave you the words found in 'Leaves of Grass'."
Wasabishki Makwa (Waabi), age ten, had never hunted. His father, Giizhigoon told his son, "if we are steadfast together, the Great Spirit will end our famine." The winter camp of five families (near Bad River, Minnesota in 1850) had been surviving on rice, blueberries and seeds. After shooting a deer with bow and arrow, Giizhigoon explained, "We do not kill the deer...we allow the deer to give itself to us...We are grateful for the deer of the forest...we ask for happiness and long life, here, where our ancestors are buried...where our fathers and grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers, lived before us, free from the dangers of war, protected from the growing presence of the white man and his hunger for our land." Survival required taking only what was needed from the land and its animals and providing an offering of tobacco for the gifts received.
Starting in the 1850's, the United States Government Treaties signed with the Dakota Sioux ceded vast acreage of Indian territory to the U.S. in exchange for money and supplies. The land was sold for pennies and a promise. Money and supplies earmarked for the Dakota was siphoned off by Indian agents who were in charge of distributing annuity payments to those now on reservations. By 1862, funds were often diverted to coffers to fight the Civil War. In August 1862, a clash of two cultures, the U.S.- Dakota War, would be fought in Minnesota. Both Waabi and Samuel's families endured the kind of conditions and hostilities leading to the conflict.
In 1850, an entourage of canoes traveled to Sandy Lake, Minnesota Territory to receive their yearly family annuity payments. The government agent who promised payment in October did not arrive until late November. Canoe travel home was made impossible by frozen waterways. Many Dakota died, including Waabi's father.
Samuel Copeland's family lived in Londonberry, Vermont. The family was just scraping by when his father was injured at the sawmill. Samuel, a young teenager, worked hard to ensure the family's survival. A stranger who came to town handed out flyers about frontier land, free land in the middle west. Millions of acres were open for settlement. All one had to do was claim it! Was this really unencumbered land?
After a grueling wagon journey to Minnesota, Samuel's family found an expansive parcel of unsurveyed land near a shallow creek. A nearby cranberry marsh would provide fruit for the winter with enough to sell at market in the spring. The cranberries, according to the Dakota, were not theirs to take.
Told in alternating chapters, Waabi and Samuel, each share their perspective leading up to, and including, the U.S.-Dakota War. "Reclaiming Mni Sota" by Colin Mustful is a reimagining of the outcome of the war, a look at Manifest Destiny challenging a traditional, ecological way of life. What would Minnesota look like if the Indians had won? Author Mustful presents a sensitive, empathetic perspective as seen from both sides of the conflict. A highly recommended read.
Thank you Colin Mustful and History Through Fiction for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2023
As an avid reader of classic works of literature, I was very much impressed by Colin Mustful’s recently released novel, “Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternative History of the U.S.- Dakota War of 1862.” I was also impressed by the novel’s message of peace as we follow the lives of two young men, Samuel and Waabi, on opposite sides of a futile war.
Educated in the field of history, Mustful’s research into this segment of Minnesota’s past is quite remarkable. Vivid descriptions bring to life the violent encounters of the natives with the pioneers as well as moments when former enemies embrace the idea of coexistence. With detailed imagery, the author follows the events of 1862 from the perspectives of natives as well as the settlers. The natives have a culture of respect for nature that is quite impressive. At the same time, the immense challenges young Samuel and his family face in the untamed frontier and their struggle to survive are aptly described. The enormous task facing the pioneers as they settle in uncultivated terrain as well as the challenges the natives face as they watch more and more settlers taking over their lands and resources, are brought to life in striking colors.
Waabi mourns his father’s loss. He has learned from his father to respect nature and give back to it as he harvests its offerings. He even learns to respect rival tribes and to live in harmony with them. Waabi is witness to decisions that are hard for him to comprehend and force him and his tribe to leave their beloved land. Waabi watches helplessly as wigwams are replaced by wooden structures and the inhabitants become Europeans, making him feel like a stranger in his ancestral land.
Dramatic moments based on actual history are aptly depicted as the Ojibwe leader addresses a crowd of his supporters: “Negotiation leads to nothing but suffering and loss. Our time is slipping away. Like the buffalo of the plains or the timber of our woodlands.”
Young Samuel and his family have challenges of their own to face. Ultimately, poverty forces them to move from Vermont and seek a new life in the vast prairies of Minnesota. Samuel’s role is instrumental in this move, and for that, he blames himself when trouble comes.
The drama reaches its peak when Waabi and Samuel meet under unexpected circumstances. This is a must-read for lovers of American history. I highly recommend this unforgettable novel.
Educated in the field of history, Mustful’s research into this segment of Minnesota’s past is quite remarkable. Vivid descriptions bring to life the violent encounters of the natives with the pioneers as well as moments when former enemies embrace the idea of coexistence. With detailed imagery, the author follows the events of 1862 from the perspectives of natives as well as the settlers. The natives have a culture of respect for nature that is quite impressive. At the same time, the immense challenges young Samuel and his family face in the untamed frontier and their struggle to survive are aptly described. The enormous task facing the pioneers as they settle in uncultivated terrain as well as the challenges the natives face as they watch more and more settlers taking over their lands and resources, are brought to life in striking colors.
Waabi mourns his father’s loss. He has learned from his father to respect nature and give back to it as he harvests its offerings. He even learns to respect rival tribes and to live in harmony with them. Waabi is witness to decisions that are hard for him to comprehend and force him and his tribe to leave their beloved land. Waabi watches helplessly as wigwams are replaced by wooden structures and the inhabitants become Europeans, making him feel like a stranger in his ancestral land.
Dramatic moments based on actual history are aptly depicted as the Ojibwe leader addresses a crowd of his supporters: “Negotiation leads to nothing but suffering and loss. Our time is slipping away. Like the buffalo of the plains or the timber of our woodlands.”
Young Samuel and his family have challenges of their own to face. Ultimately, poverty forces them to move from Vermont and seek a new life in the vast prairies of Minnesota. Samuel’s role is instrumental in this move, and for that, he blames himself when trouble comes.
The drama reaches its peak when Waabi and Samuel meet under unexpected circumstances. This is a must-read for lovers of American history. I highly recommend this unforgettable novel.
June 22, 2023
Waabi is a Dakota living in the land his people call Mni Sota. In 1850, the white settlers were part of Waabi's life for a while. The settlers have asked to mine on the Dakota's land for resources in return for winter provisions. One year, the government officials were late with the provisions, causing Waabi's father and many others to perish. Waabi struggles with the changes happening around him, especially as the United States goes to War against itself. Samuel Copeland and his family lived a peaceful life in Vermont, but after an injury to his father's leg, they go into debt. When Samuel hears of free land in the new state of Minnesota, he convinces his family to relocate. Living in Minnesota isn't as easy as the Copeland's imagined and tensions soon arise over resources with the settlers and the Dakota who never gave up their land. As War rages between the North and South, another revolt is rising as the Ojibwe and Dakota combine forces to reclaim their land and attack Fort Snelling. Together, Samuel and Waabi find a way to fight for a better future.
Reclaiming Mni Sota is an alternate historical fiction story recounting the Dakota War of 1862. The author is clearly passionate about this time period and while not a Native American himself, has put in a lot of effort into bringing their story to light and to think about what would have happened if the outcome of the war was flipped. With alternating points of view of both Samuel, a white settler in Minnesota and Waabi, a Native Dakota, the struggle of both groups to survive with one another is apparent. As the characters say, it is a war that was put in motion long before the men fighting were born. Though from different backgrounds, Waabi and Samuel are both young men trying to find their way in a quickly changing world. They both carry anger and grief from incidents stemming from interactions with the other's culture. However, they both find killing unfulfilling. I was intrigued by Waabi and Samuel's alliance to fight for what they thought would help them move forward. With an alternate ending to the war, with Mni Sota Makoce becoming a Sovereign Independent Nation, we are reminded of the ways we have come to own land and be stewards of that land as well as what land ownership means in modern times.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Reclaiming Mni Sota is an alternate historical fiction story recounting the Dakota War of 1862. The author is clearly passionate about this time period and while not a Native American himself, has put in a lot of effort into bringing their story to light and to think about what would have happened if the outcome of the war was flipped. With alternating points of view of both Samuel, a white settler in Minnesota and Waabi, a Native Dakota, the struggle of both groups to survive with one another is apparent. As the characters say, it is a war that was put in motion long before the men fighting were born. Though from different backgrounds, Waabi and Samuel are both young men trying to find their way in a quickly changing world. They both carry anger and grief from incidents stemming from interactions with the other's culture. However, they both find killing unfulfilling. I was intrigued by Waabi and Samuel's alliance to fight for what they thought would help them move forward. With an alternate ending to the war, with Mni Sota Makoce becoming a Sovereign Independent Nation, we are reminded of the ways we have come to own land and be stewards of that land as well as what land ownership means in modern times.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2023
In Reclaiming Mni Sota, author Colin Mustful successfully allows the reader to understand the process of how our midwest was transformed into our current state of Minnesota as well as how it could have been reclaimed by the original inhabitants. By introducing the main characters separately in their original families and surroundings, the reader connects with both sides of the U.S - Dakota War, hoping there will not be tragedy, but peace. As the story unfolds, Mustful has the insight to help the reader decipher the setting of both characters before they meet each other. Each chapter states the month and year of the setting, as well as the original name of the location and the current day name [Chapter 20: Gayaashko-zaagi'igan Manoominike-giizis (Gull Lake, August 1862)]. The reader grows to understand the history and pain of the Native Americans and the Colonists separately, knowing that eventually they will meet in the story, anticipating how the meeting will take place, arriving closer to the overlapping setting, place and time.
Having spent much time in the wilderness and current day cities of the places mentioned in Reclaiming Mni Sota, learning about the events that took place in the midwest is invaluable. Reading about the history of our land in a realistic fiction format, engages and educates the reader, as well as forming compassion for the struggles that came before us. For those of us who are not historians, the books published by History Through Fiction provide a fabulous way to learn about events, language, customs, and culture in a responsible and entertaining way. Well done!
Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862
Having spent much time in the wilderness and current day cities of the places mentioned in Reclaiming Mni Sota, learning about the events that took place in the midwest is invaluable. Reading about the history of our land in a realistic fiction format, engages and educates the reader, as well as forming compassion for the struggles that came before us. For those of us who are not historians, the books published by History Through Fiction provide a fabulous way to learn about events, language, customs, and culture in a responsible and entertaining way. Well done!
Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862
September 17, 2023
This book, an alternate history of the removal of indigenous people from the Midwest, was one I was really eager to read. It is well-researched, and the inclusion of native language and settler-colonialism attitudes of that time and place are excellent. The second half of the book was brilliant, and the connections between Samuel and Waabi was both unexpected and heartwarming…and heartbreaking. I particularly appreciated the final chapter as a look at “what if…”
That said, the first third to half of the book seemed to drag. Samuel’s time in Vermont seemed, and still seems, totally superfluous to the story. I didn’t like his father or his mother, and neither one seemed particularly strong or sensible. Samuel seemed more of an adult than either of them. As for Thomas, he was kind of a jerk. The other siblings were sort of background dressing and didn’t do much to improve the story. While others might disagree, to me, that portion of the book was tedious. Well-written for certain, but I just wasn’t invested in that part of the story.
As the second half of the book unfolds, and the horrors that the people are enduring play out, it is painful to remember that this actually happened to the indigenous peoples of America. From south to north, from east to west, they were forced from their lands, herded up, mistreated, and their culture, language, and way of life, stripped from them. So many were killed, all in the name of “civilization.” And this happened all because they wanted to continue the life they had lived for tens of thousands of years, while newcomers came along and decided they had more of a right to the land than the people who had been its stewards for 25,000 years.
The book is really excellent, and if I could read it solely on the second house, or at least the second half Waabi’s story for background, I would. The last half of the book is five stars for certain.
That said, the first third to half of the book seemed to drag. Samuel’s time in Vermont seemed, and still seems, totally superfluous to the story. I didn’t like his father or his mother, and neither one seemed particularly strong or sensible. Samuel seemed more of an adult than either of them. As for Thomas, he was kind of a jerk. The other siblings were sort of background dressing and didn’t do much to improve the story. While others might disagree, to me, that portion of the book was tedious. Well-written for certain, but I just wasn’t invested in that part of the story.
As the second half of the book unfolds, and the horrors that the people are enduring play out, it is painful to remember that this actually happened to the indigenous peoples of America. From south to north, from east to west, they were forced from their lands, herded up, mistreated, and their culture, language, and way of life, stripped from them. So many were killed, all in the name of “civilization.” And this happened all because they wanted to continue the life they had lived for tens of thousands of years, while newcomers came along and decided they had more of a right to the land than the people who had been its stewards for 25,000 years.
The book is really excellent, and if I could read it solely on the second house, or at least the second half Waabi’s story for background, I would. The last half of the book is five stars for certain.
August 20, 2023
This is a well-researched historical novel that looks at the pivotal US-Dakota War of 1862 through the eyes of two main characters, the white settler Samuel and the Ojibwe man WasabishkiMakwa (known as Waabi).
The main action occurs in the last third of the book, in a fertile area of Native land now called Minnesota. Most of the action takes place during the early 1860s, when indigenous groups rose up to resists more exploitation and forced evictions. Samuel has fled with his poverty-stricken family from Vermont to settle in the area, ignoring the fact the land already belonged to various Native nations. Unable to provide for his family, he joins the US army and is caught up in the war against the Dakota and Ojibwe. Waabi has seen the lies and greed of white settlers all his life, and wants nothing more than a return to a traditional way of life. Both men are sickened by the killing and violence.
In reality the Dakota and Lakota uprising was lost, and 38 Dakota men were hanged in the largest execution in US history for their part in the rebellion. This is an alternate history, however, where the Dakota, Lakota and Ojibwe successfully come together to defend their lands and cultures and throw the white settlers off their land.
This is the short of historical fiction that you read for context. It lacks dramatic tension but is full of interesting details about both Native and white lives of the time. I found both main characters somewhat stilted at times, and would have appreciated the development of the minor female characters. It is, however, an honest and well-documented attempt (the extensive bibliography at the end is worth exploring) to set the historical record a little straighter. Given the intense censorship around what is taught now around American history, the non-Native author is to be commended for this.
The main action occurs in the last third of the book, in a fertile area of Native land now called Minnesota. Most of the action takes place during the early 1860s, when indigenous groups rose up to resists more exploitation and forced evictions. Samuel has fled with his poverty-stricken family from Vermont to settle in the area, ignoring the fact the land already belonged to various Native nations. Unable to provide for his family, he joins the US army and is caught up in the war against the Dakota and Ojibwe. Waabi has seen the lies and greed of white settlers all his life, and wants nothing more than a return to a traditional way of life. Both men are sickened by the killing and violence.
In reality the Dakota and Lakota uprising was lost, and 38 Dakota men were hanged in the largest execution in US history for their part in the rebellion. This is an alternate history, however, where the Dakota, Lakota and Ojibwe successfully come together to defend their lands and cultures and throw the white settlers off their land.
This is the short of historical fiction that you read for context. It lacks dramatic tension but is full of interesting details about both Native and white lives of the time. I found both main characters somewhat stilted at times, and would have appreciated the development of the minor female characters. It is, however, an honest and well-documented attempt (the extensive bibliography at the end is worth exploring) to set the historical record a little straighter. Given the intense censorship around what is taught now around American history, the non-Native author is to be commended for this.
April 6, 2024
In 1862, the Ojibwe and Dakota tribes of what is now Minnesota were being forced off their land despite solemn treaties with the U.S. government. Facing starvation, the tribes united and attacked white settlers and U. S. Army outposts. An estimated 500 military and civilians were killed, as well as an estimated 200 Native Americans, including 38 men hanged, the largest one-day execution in U. S. history.
Colin Mustful offers an “alternative history,” based on facts but “not meant as an indictment on any one person or group of people.” To accomplish this aim, he gives us two protagonists, WasabishkiMakwa, called Waabi, a young boy of the Ojibwe tribe, and Samuel Copeland, whose family can no longer survive in their played-out patch of Vermont farmland and heads for what they’re told is rich “free” land in the Minnesota territory—free because it was taken from Waabi’s people.
Inevitably, Waabi and Samuel’s fates collide in battles marked by atrocities on both sides. The fact that these two decent young men, both fatherless and sharing the same dream—living off the land—create a sacrificial friendship doesn’t blunt the irreconcilable opposition of their people.
Mustful exaggerates the numbers and suffering of settlers held hostage by the tribal forces and doesn’t cover the ferocity of the U.S. government’s reprisals: the Dakota tribes driven to reservations, losing their homeland forever. However, in paring the personal tragedies of Samuel and Waabi, we can experience a constant, tragic theme of human history, that there is never enough land for all and the stronger will ignore any semblance of justice by taking it from the weaker.
My review originally posted in Historical Novel Review
Colin Mustful offers an “alternative history,” based on facts but “not meant as an indictment on any one person or group of people.” To accomplish this aim, he gives us two protagonists, WasabishkiMakwa, called Waabi, a young boy of the Ojibwe tribe, and Samuel Copeland, whose family can no longer survive in their played-out patch of Vermont farmland and heads for what they’re told is rich “free” land in the Minnesota territory—free because it was taken from Waabi’s people.
Inevitably, Waabi and Samuel’s fates collide in battles marked by atrocities on both sides. The fact that these two decent young men, both fatherless and sharing the same dream—living off the land—create a sacrificial friendship doesn’t blunt the irreconcilable opposition of their people.
Mustful exaggerates the numbers and suffering of settlers held hostage by the tribal forces and doesn’t cover the ferocity of the U.S. government’s reprisals: the Dakota tribes driven to reservations, losing their homeland forever. However, in paring the personal tragedies of Samuel and Waabi, we can experience a constant, tragic theme of human history, that there is never enough land for all and the stronger will ignore any semblance of justice by taking it from the weaker.
My review originally posted in Historical Novel Review
November 2, 2023
ARC provided by History Through Fiction.
As someone who is always wanting to explore and learn more about Native American history, I was definitely intrigued by the premise of this novel. Growing up in Colorado, I have learned about the tribes and history in my area, but I was not familiar with the Dakota War of 1862, so this was an additional reason to want to read this novel. This alternate history of this important time period is told through two perspectives, Samuel, a boy from Vermont and Waabi, an Ojibwe growing up in what is now Minnesota. We see the important life events that set both Waabi and Samuel on a collision course that greatly changes each of their lives and the lives of the people closest to them.
Choosing to take on the task of writing an alternate history of this time period and the resulting conflict really takes a deft hand at presenting the possibilities in a truly plausible way that does not play into stereotypes for either the Native tribes or the white settlers. Colin does a really wonderful job of avoiding this pitfall and giving us two protagonists that are not only believable but allow you to understand the developments in this time period and how the Dakota War happened. As someone who has seen the ramifications of the settlement of tribes on reservations, seeing this story play out in this way is both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. It does make you wish you could take a visit to this alternate reality to see Mni Sota as it is portrayed here. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Native American history.
As someone who is always wanting to explore and learn more about Native American history, I was definitely intrigued by the premise of this novel. Growing up in Colorado, I have learned about the tribes and history in my area, but I was not familiar with the Dakota War of 1862, so this was an additional reason to want to read this novel. This alternate history of this important time period is told through two perspectives, Samuel, a boy from Vermont and Waabi, an Ojibwe growing up in what is now Minnesota. We see the important life events that set both Waabi and Samuel on a collision course that greatly changes each of their lives and the lives of the people closest to them.
Choosing to take on the task of writing an alternate history of this time period and the resulting conflict really takes a deft hand at presenting the possibilities in a truly plausible way that does not play into stereotypes for either the Native tribes or the white settlers. Colin does a really wonderful job of avoiding this pitfall and giving us two protagonists that are not only believable but allow you to understand the developments in this time period and how the Dakota War happened. As someone who has seen the ramifications of the settlement of tribes on reservations, seeing this story play out in this way is both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. It does make you wish you could take a visit to this alternate reality to see Mni Sota as it is portrayed here. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Native American history.
October 6, 2023
I have to say I absolutely loved this book. It filled some of my needs to want to read more about this period of time. Fiction or nonfiction I really didn’t care. I wanted the story the adventure, the life of that period of time. Recently watched the shows 1883 and 1923 and they fueled me to want to read about the other side of the story or the story of the people who didn’t fall in suit with what was going on who look at Indians as people and not savages. I have always had this interest but never really found anything that fed to that interest if that makes any sense kind of like an itch you can’t scratch. That itch was scratched.
Thanks to an amazing writer who told a story from both sides of the issue at hand and did an amazing job at doing it along with the narrative of Scott Fleming, I was hooked. The narrator brought the book to life I laughed, I cried, I felt the joy and the sadness for every character. Thank goddess I was working alone listening to this book because there were a few moments where I had to sit down and cry myself, or I would randomly laugh out loud, or curse because of something that happened.
Thank you NetGallery for allowing me to the opportunity, early access to an ARC audiobook addition for this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly did enjoy it.
Thanks to an amazing writer who told a story from both sides of the issue at hand and did an amazing job at doing it along with the narrative of Scott Fleming, I was hooked. The narrator brought the book to life I laughed, I cried, I felt the joy and the sadness for every character. Thank goddess I was working alone listening to this book because there were a few moments where I had to sit down and cry myself, or I would randomly laugh out loud, or curse because of something that happened.
Thank you NetGallery for allowing me to the opportunity, early access to an ARC audiobook addition for this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly did enjoy it.
September 24, 2023
Reclaiming Mni Sota
It is always interesting to speculate what our society would be like now, if key events had happened differently. For example, what would have occurred if the Santee band of Sioux Indians had won the U.S,-Dakota War of 1862? According to this version of possible events….Well, maybe you should just read this book and find out.
What actually happened was that only a relatively small number of the starved Sioux revolted against the white settlers. It could be argued that the conditions that led to the starvation were the result of a number of treaties being broken, and the Sioux not being able to live on the land they were given. After the revolt had been stopped and 38 warriors had been executed, all of the Sioux were expelled to reservations further South.
There is a saying that the winners of wars get to write the history, This alternative history is eye-opening.
It is always interesting to speculate what our society would be like now, if key events had happened differently. For example, what would have occurred if the Santee band of Sioux Indians had won the U.S,-Dakota War of 1862? According to this version of possible events….Well, maybe you should just read this book and find out.
What actually happened was that only a relatively small number of the starved Sioux revolted against the white settlers. It could be argued that the conditions that led to the starvation were the result of a number of treaties being broken, and the Sioux not being able to live on the land they were given. After the revolt had been stopped and 38 warriors had been executed, all of the Sioux were expelled to reservations further South.
There is a saying that the winners of wars get to write the history, This alternative history is eye-opening.
September 22, 2023
I didn't remember the the Dakota War of 1862 from my US History classes. I doubt we spent more than one hour on it. But this book brought it to life for me from the point of view of Americans looking to fulfil Manifest Destiny, and the indigenous people wishing to hold on to their lands. The story features well-developed and likable characters, page-turning action, and vivid descriptions. It makes the reader think what's fair, and how actions have unintended consequences that may present and future for many generations. I applaud Colin Mustful for his detailed research, as well as the passion and respect he gave this subject.
July 12, 2023
I was given a free copy of "Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862" via LibraryThing. I love to read, and I love history. Having said that, I loved reading a book about history and being in suspense. I did not know what was going to happen to the characters that I had grown fond of. This was a great book. Well-developed characters. It told emotional stories from both sides. I admit, I knew little about the true history and I feel I understand it better now.
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