Light a Distant Fire

by Lucia St. Clair Robson

Threatened with forced removal from their Florida homeland, the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians took up arms. Using alligator-infested swamps to their advantage, they fought the U.S. Army to a standstill.Unable to win militarily, General Thomas Jesup captured his enemies under flags of truce. With most of their people transported west, fewer than a hundred remained hidden in the heart of the Everglades, members of the only tribe never to surrender. " powerfully recreates the mid-19th century Seminole Indian Wars and the life of Osceola, who courageously led his people against unjust U.S. government policies."-Publishers Weekly

Genres: Historical Fiction, Native American, Fiction, Audiobook, Native Americans

434 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Lucia St. Clair Robson has been a Peace Corps Volunteer, a teacher and a librarian. Her first historical novel, RIDE THE WIND, appeared on the New York Times best seller list, and in 1983 received the Golden Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. Since then she has written seven more novels set in a variety of times and places. Kirkus Reviews wrote, "Few novelists working today have a better grasp of early American history than Robson.""

Reviews

[Antje · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of "Ride the wind" (my all time favourite), I was probably expecting too much of this one. It is well written, again very detailed when it comes to customs, clothing, nature, but it took me almost half the book to establish a connection to the characters. Up to then, it felt like loosely connected anecdotes of the lives of various Seminoles.
But I sure learned a lot about the history of the Florida seminoles. So maybe that's just it: more of an historic book than a novel. But worth the read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light a Distant Fire (Paperback and Audible copies)
by Lucia St. Clair Robson
Cracking the cover of the book, my edition signed With affection from the wild and scaly swamps. The Reader will learn a little about the history of Florida, the strength of its original people, and the remarkable struggle for humanity. Lucia Robson has a way of drawing in her readers. I started this book in its original paperback but when the Audible version came out I had a pleasant time loosing my self in the story that is both historical and fiction. Osceola is a historical warrior from the Seminole nation, that begins the story in his youth. The battles begun with "Old Mad" Jackson lasted over 40 years. Osceola was there for most of it historically. He fought against odds that would make any modern man cringe and happily fight modern wars than the bug infested swamps of Florida. Robson has a way of gaining the readers trust in her story, showing the side of the loser as much as the difficulties of those who fought the war in the first place. Today's children would be amazed at the personal struggles that the escaped African slaves and the Seminole people faced so early in the union. To save their own way of life, their families freedom, and the lives of their friends they faced odds that would terrify most modern man. Not only the brutality of war, but of how white men treated Seminole and African slaves as property and an encumbrance. Lucia Robson brings the story not only to the forefront, but the humanity behind the story that is always forgotten in the history books.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my favortites.....

[Donie Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining & educational if you have no knowledge of the Seminoles of Florida, told through the life of Osceola.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great biography of Osceola. It painted a beautiful background of his people, the land, and his character. I highly recommend it to lovers of American history.

[KelticKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about the Seminole of Florida and their struggles to remain on the land of their ancestors.

[Michelle Cofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I read this book I knew nothing about the Seminole’s. Another historical fact, left out of our school books. As usual, I couldn’t put this book down either! Incredible writing, that with the author you become so immersed you feel you’re there in that book & all your senses make you think you’re living that time of history. ❤️

[Athana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The discriptions of the life in the village life was very detailed. weather it was true or not it still gave a very good insight in to the hardship that befell the indians in the early years of our nation. this was very enlighting and interesting to read.

[T. Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. It didn't have the "wow" I was hoping for.