Walking Softly

by Thomas D. Peacock

What goes into the making of a tribal elder? We find some answers in the story of Edward James Bainbridge. Written like a memoir in first person, his story provides rich lessons in resilience, hope, faith, and remaining, always, Ojibwe.

150 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Marie Zhuikov]

This tells the life story of Eddie who lives on the Red Cliff Reservation in WI. After his first wife dies, he slumps into drinking and depression. He eventually comes out of it and grows to become a respected tribal elder, giving back to others, including two children who move next door. The book gives an unblinking look at the issues facing Native Americans and offers insight into Ojibwe beliefs and lifeways. The story has a twist at the end, but I didn't think it was really needed because the other themes were so strong.

[Beth Cue]

An engaging book written as a memoir. At times one gets so wrapped up in the narrative that you forget that it is fiction. This book does an excellent job of showing what reservation life is like, seamlessly weaves the Ojibwe language into the story, and teaches many subtle lessons on the culture. Eddie, Rosalie, Dakota, and Cheyenne are all likes or characters that you grow to care deeply about over the course of the narrative. This book is a gem!

[Ivory]

I enjoyed this latest from Thomas Peacock, written in his musical and humorous style.

[Eleanor]

I became immersed in this fictional tale as well as learned about indigenous culture. Very moving

[Mark Bourdon]

Walk softly on this earth and leave gentle footprints. Be kind, that is soft. This is a gentle kind story of the evolution of an Ojibwa elder and traditions. 🙏🏻