Beaver Coats and Guns: The Adventures of Radisson and Des Groseilliers

by Richard Lapointe

Near legendary Hudson Bay, undreamed of beaver pelt riches beckon. To reach them, two fur traders must overcome hostile Iroquois, dangerous rivers, corrupt governors, and scheming priests.

The year is 1652, and the French of New France are at war with the Iroquois Confederacy. In a raid on a small St. Lawrence River settlement, enemy raiders capture sixteen-year-old Pierre Radisson and take him to their village near present-day Albany, New York.

There, he is adopted and trained as a warrior. A year later — afraid for his life — Pierre escapes and returns to New France.

During a pause in the war, Pierre takes part in a doomed Jesuit mission to convert the Iroquois. Following another harrowing escape, he sets out on the greatest adventure of his life.

Combating Iroquois along the way, Pierre and his brother-in-law, Médard Chouart, Sieur Des Groseilliers, with their Algonquin partners, embark in canoes for Lake Superior. There they will meet the peace-loving Cree, who hold the key to the beaver pelt treasure they seek.

Beaver Coats and Guns is a novel inspired by the real-life adventures of Radisson and Des Groseilliers. Follow them into the northern wilderness on their incredible quest for beaver pelts. Meet Native North Americans when they were independent and vital to the fur trade. Discover, too, how their endeavors led to the founding of the renowned Hudson's Bay Company.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2018

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great tale about men having adventures on the North American continent during the 1600's.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A French pioneer in 16 century Quebec is captured by Indians and becomes one of them for a while. This part of the book is actually quite interesting as he assimilates into the new nation.

Then he goes back to the French and the book starts to drag.

Not bad, but i liked the first part a lot better.

[Bruce Cable · Rating 5 out of 5]

French Origin of the Hudson Bay Compsny

This is an interesting and historical account of two adventurous men, who were amongst the. First white men to explore the vast Hudson Bay area.. I found the account of the captivity of Radison by the Iroquois and the description of their fascinating culture to be particularly engrossing.

[Carl Choiniere · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting storyline, but I found it sometimes dragged then rushed. I also wish I had noticed that it was a second edition that was modified to become a Young Adult version of the original, as I did find the writing a little simple (and I didn't find out until the afterword).

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Kept my interest throughout

[Alan Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and easy historical novel based on real lives.

Received a complementary copy via #GoodreadsGiveaway

[GERALD GENTRY · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical novel you don't want to miss. An excellent read

[Bev Deyea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book filled in all the blanks in Canadian history I was taught in school. I recommend this book be included in all secondary school curriculums. The sometimes graphic content is nothing compared to what preteens already know about. Especially for people living in Eastern Canada (Quebec and the Great Lakes, it is enlightening.

[Lavender]

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I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.