Cynthia Ann Parker

by Grace Jackson

Cynthia Ann Parker , first published in 1959, is a fascinating account of the life of a girl of European descent, who at the age of about ten, was captured (along with her brother) in Texas by raiding Comanche. Cynthia would then grow up with her captors and live among the Comanche for the next 24 years. Parker was recaptured during the Battle of Pease River in 1860 and would spend the remaining 11 years with various members of her birth family. During her time with the Comanche, she married Peta Nocona, a chieftain, and had three children with him, including Quanah Parker, the last free Comanche chief. Cynthia Ann Parker never adjusted to the ways of the white man, and made at least one attempt to escape and return to her tribe. Included are 13 pages of photographs and a number of pen and ink drawings.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2016

Reviews

[NicoleR.M.M.]

I thought I could read this book and keep in mind that it was written jn 1959.
Turns out, I can’t.

Maybe it has something to do with the book I read before this one, Ride the Wind, which, though it’s heavily romanticised, speaks so beautifully and, more important maybe, humanly about the Comanche tribe. About how the white captive Cynthia Ann became a famous Comanche tribe member, and her son Quanah the last great chief of the Comanches
This book speaks of them as savages, it speaks of wild Indians and their savage, cruel ways. It tries to explain their culture, but it truly lacks the insight and knowledge that is needed to do so. But, as I said, it’s published in 1959 and the world was very different then.
I’m glad we know better today.
But that also means I can’t do this any more.

I did find it interesting to read about the early pioneers lifestyle and how the Parkers came to Texas and built a new life there. I also find it interesting to read that the descendants from Cynthia Ann and her son Quanah still meet every year, at least, that was the case in 1959. Their families must have grown so large that it might not be possible any longer, but the thought that they did all meet on a regular basis was a nice one.

No rating

[Hebby Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this older edition about Cynthia Ann Parker, looking for insights into what captives held by Native Americans faced. I knew there would be a great deal of anti-Native American sentiment in this book, and I accepted that. What I thought was lacking was any personal information about Cynthia Ann after she returned to her family and what she went through, except that she was sad and worried about her two sons, who were left alone on the prairie in the middle of the winter. It was mostly an overlook of the historical record, heavy on battles between Rangers and soldiers and the Comanche, very little personal information. However, I did enjoy reading about Cynthia Ann's family and learning some background on them, along with what the very first, earliest settlers in Texas faced.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh, this was a struggle

This book was a struggle to read. There are a lot of great facts but the author obviously has some animosity against Native Americans. There is very little good to say about them in this book. I know the subject matter is supposed to be about the kid napping of Cynthia Ann so you could paint the natives as the bad guys, but the author seems to forget that the pioneers were encroaching on their lands in the first place. Also, there is very little about Cynthia Ann in this book overall. She's more of a chapter or two instead of the reason for the book. I know the facts are sketchy but this book just wasn't pleasant to read.

[Beth Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can tell without looking at the publishing information when this was written. The information itself is interesting, but the clear racism toward the Native Americans dates it. I would like to read more about the Parkers, but with less of a bias. I can make up my own mind, given the facts.

[Sharon Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old story with new perspective.

Author did a great deal of research and provided insight into the times and life of characters. The story was told with empathy for all.

[Laura Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great book. A friend of mine is a descendant of Cynthia Ann Parker. Very interesting read. Read it

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Racist and Bigoted

This was a very racist take on the life of Cynthia Ann Parker. Ride the Wind by Lucia St. Clair is one hundred times better.

[Cari Starosta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like a 7th grade book report.