What do you think?
Rate this book
Cut Hand #1
Cut Hand
Homosexuals have been with us forever; queers, pansies, and fags are inventions of European civilizations. But, many New World native cultures view “Two-Spirit people through more respectful eyes. Cut Hand by Mark Wildyr is a romantic action epic set in the early 1800s about an unorthodox love between a white youth on the American frontier, escaping his Tory family s past, and a young Indian warrior destined for the leadership of his tribe. Billy Strobaw s world turns on its axis at his surprising and unexpected physical reaction to a young Indian he and two traveling companions take captive. The handsome warrior, Cut Hand, not only earns his freedom, but also steals Billy s heart and prevails upon the American to come live among his people. Plunged into a strange culture where his lust for another man is not regarded as disgraceful, Billy agrees to become Cut s winkte wife, an act that brings problems, but not from the direction he anticipated. As the two men work to overcome differences in their cultural backgrounds, Billy comes to understand these Native Americans have as much to offer him as he has to share with them. The sexuality of the protagonists becomes merely a personal footnote in the struggle of the Plains tribes to preserve a way of life that has served them well for generations. Told partially in Colonial and early American English, the novel follows the lives of these two lovers from 1832 to 186l, thirty tumultuous years on young America s frontier.
275 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2010
4 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Mark Wildyr
30 books24 followers Born and raised in southeastern Oklahoma, I am an Albuquerque writer of gay erotic fiction. One day, I picked up a book someone had left on a table at a bookstore, one for which my rural upbringing had not prepared me. It was hardcore erotica. Nonetheless, I read a couple of the short stories and decided I could write stories like that--and certainly better than the two I had read in that book, neither of which had a narrative beyond what was necessary to string one sexual escapade together with another.
So I wrote down the name and address of the publisher, went home, and wrote a story. The publisher bought that story and eleven others, none of which were ever published because of a legal dispute that essentially closed the business down. I know nothing of the details of the suit that was filed except that it prevented publication of my first sales. Nonetheless, I had been paid for them, so I was now a “professional” author. That was in 2001.
I immediately submitted other stories to other publishers who not only bought, but published my work. I had found my niche. Since then, I've sold about sixty of them to various publishing houses. Along the way, STARbooks Press has also published a novella and three novels. They have also has agreed to two additional novels, one due out in Spring 2014 and the other in Autumn 2014.
My short story erotica covers a broad range of types: mystery, adventure, love, fantasy, sci-fi, military, police, sport… and probably some others. Much of my work explores the sexual discovery process and often involved cross-cultural relationships. Native American cultures and their approach to “Two Spirits” particularly fascinate me.
I consider my books CUT HAND and RIVER OTTER to be historical novels more than gay erotica. Between the two, they span the 19th Century from 1832 to 1870, a period that encompasses the rapid expansion of Europeans into the Dakota Territory, until then considered to belong to the Indians. It also covers the entire duration of the American Civil War, and the effects that conflict had on the tribes. They also explore the difference between the way many native cultures view homosexuality. Man-love was considered sinful and an abomination to the Anglos, who viewed queers and fags and berdaches with fear and loathing. Such conduct was often a death sentence among the dominant culture. On the other hand, winktes, two-faces, and two-spirits were often accorded places of honor among some of the tribes. At the least, they were permitted to lead lives according to their nature, not what others deemed what their nature should be. A third in the series to be released in Spring 2014, ECHOES OF THE FLUTE continues the story line up through 1890, the end of the major Indian Wars.
THE VICTOR AND THE VANQUISHED is a contemporary story of a young man dealing with his gay nature and pulling himself out of poverty, alcoholism, and abuse. CHARLEY BLACKBEAR, due out in the Fall of 2014, approaches these issues from a different perspective.
After a three-year stint in the US Army (one glorious year of it spent in Germany), I took up art. Thereafter, I spent my free time painting. I even sold a few canvases for modest amounts. But eventually, I realized painting a landscape or a still life was not a relaxing pastime for me. To the contrary, the closer a canvas came to completion, the tenser I became.
I have always written, but not always in a focused way. Because of a childhood health problem, I spent many summers at the library doing research on other cultures—usually Native American—and putting the information into long themes or dissertations. Then I started making up stories based on my findings. In college, I majored in Government and History, and I have been a lifelong history buff. Now that I’m living and writing in New Mexico, which I believe is the greatest place on earth, I often set my stories in Albuquerque or other parts of the state to give my readers a sense of the cu
So I wrote down the name and address of the publisher, went home, and wrote a story. The publisher bought that story and eleven others, none of which were ever published because of a legal dispute that essentially closed the business down. I know nothing of the details of the suit that was filed except that it prevented publication of my first sales. Nonetheless, I had been paid for them, so I was now a “professional” author. That was in 2001.
I immediately submitted other stories to other publishers who not only bought, but published my work. I had found my niche. Since then, I've sold about sixty of them to various publishing houses. Along the way, STARbooks Press has also published a novella and three novels. They have also has agreed to two additional novels, one due out in Spring 2014 and the other in Autumn 2014.
My short story erotica covers a broad range of types: mystery, adventure, love, fantasy, sci-fi, military, police, sport… and probably some others. Much of my work explores the sexual discovery process and often involved cross-cultural relationships. Native American cultures and their approach to “Two Spirits” particularly fascinate me.
I consider my books CUT HAND and RIVER OTTER to be historical novels more than gay erotica. Between the two, they span the 19th Century from 1832 to 1870, a period that encompasses the rapid expansion of Europeans into the Dakota Territory, until then considered to belong to the Indians. It also covers the entire duration of the American Civil War, and the effects that conflict had on the tribes. They also explore the difference between the way many native cultures view homosexuality. Man-love was considered sinful and an abomination to the Anglos, who viewed queers and fags and berdaches with fear and loathing. Such conduct was often a death sentence among the dominant culture. On the other hand, winktes, two-faces, and two-spirits were often accorded places of honor among some of the tribes. At the least, they were permitted to lead lives according to their nature, not what others deemed what their nature should be. A third in the series to be released in Spring 2014, ECHOES OF THE FLUTE continues the story line up through 1890, the end of the major Indian Wars.
THE VICTOR AND THE VANQUISHED is a contemporary story of a young man dealing with his gay nature and pulling himself out of poverty, alcoholism, and abuse. CHARLEY BLACKBEAR, due out in the Fall of 2014, approaches these issues from a different perspective.
After a three-year stint in the US Army (one glorious year of it spent in Germany), I took up art. Thereafter, I spent my free time painting. I even sold a few canvases for modest amounts. But eventually, I realized painting a landscape or a still life was not a relaxing pastime for me. To the contrary, the closer a canvas came to completion, the tenser I became.
I have always written, but not always in a focused way. Because of a childhood health problem, I spent many summers at the library doing research on other cultures—usually Native American—and putting the information into long themes or dissertations. Then I started making up stories based on my findings. In college, I majored in Government and History, and I have been a lifelong history buff. Now that I’m living and writing in New Mexico, which I believe is the greatest place on earth, I often set my stories in Albuquerque or other parts of the state to give my readers a sense of the cu
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 23, 2014
3.5 stars. Review posted September 23, 2014
I’ll keep this short and to the point.
Cut Hand is one of those rare books that I’m actually glad I was able to finish. After having been bored more than a couple times, I decided to put it aside when I was 64 % done. In hindsight, the break wasn’t really worth it, because I traded Cut Hand for a cheese-laden and oversexed book that did nothing but disappoint me. Well, I did mention that the smexin' in Cut Hand was terribly bad and I still believe it would have been best to forego their “rogering” completely. To be honest, I was happy that most of it happened off page anyway. I’m familiar with gay fiction, so I didn’t expect anything romantic. Besides, I understand that (hetero) sex, at that time, was more about procreation and survival than anything else. Given the fact that the author is obviously a history buff, I felt that he did a very good job at portraying the Native Americans, the simple life on the Great Plains, the perils and quarrels. Of course I also liked the proud and very handsome Cut Hand, Peace Chief of the Yanube and Billy, the wise teacher. Yet it For that I was grateful.
I really liked the writing and as a Swiss citizen I did enjoy the little history lesson in Cut Hand. Unfortunately the book was too long-winded and couldn’t always hold my interest. Engaging parts went hand in hand with sequences that flat out bored me. Yet I think that anyone who’s fond of gay fiction, history, and Native Americans should check this series out. I have decided to give River Otter a try someday soon.
I’ll keep this short and to the point.
Cut Hand is one of those rare books that I’m actually glad I was able to finish. After having been bored more than a couple times, I decided to put it aside when I was 64 % done. In hindsight, the break wasn’t really worth it, because I traded Cut Hand for a cheese-laden and oversexed book that did nothing but disappoint me. Well, I did mention that the smexin' in Cut Hand was terribly bad and I still believe it would have been best to forego their “rogering” completely. To be honest, I was happy that most of it happened off page anyway. I’m familiar with gay fiction, so I didn’t expect anything romantic. Besides, I understand that (hetero) sex, at that time, was more about procreation and survival than anything else. Given the fact that the author is obviously a history buff, I felt that he did a very good job at portraying the Native Americans, the simple life on the Great Plains, the perils and quarrels. Of course I also liked the proud and very handsome Cut Hand, Peace Chief of the Yanube and Billy, the wise teacher. Yet it For that I was grateful.
I really liked the writing and as a Swiss citizen I did enjoy the little history lesson in Cut Hand. Unfortunately the book was too long-winded and couldn’t always hold my interest. Engaging parts went hand in hand with sequences that flat out bored me. Yet I think that anyone who’s fond of gay fiction, history, and Native Americans should check this series out. I have decided to give River Otter a try someday soon.
January 21, 2015
Cut Hand
and Billy Strobaw, two memorable amazing characters.
A beautifully written heartbreaking love epic set in the early 1800s, powerful in its words and vivid images.
Written in a form of a dairy it gives a perfect insight into historical events of this period of time as well as into the culture and spiritual world of the Native Americans. Though in the first place it is a wonderful and emotional love and life story of Billy Strobaw, The Teacher, who turned his back on his old world because he fell in love with a young Indian warrior, Cut Hand, the son of the Chief of the Yanube tribe and came live among Indian people.
I had some problems at the beginning with the "old western" language that makes the whole story very authentic but was not always easy for me, not a native English speaker, to handle.
OVERALL - a great read.
It portrayed a time never again to be seen on the Great Plains. It encapsulated the wisdom of this man called Teacher.
April 27, 2016
***DNF page 24 of 273.***
WHAT. THE. COÑO.
I can't fall for it, it makes me feel stupid.
I had great expectations on this book, but the first pages are just a waste of time. Too hurried. Too empty. Too melodramatic. I can't shake the feeling the author is trying to fool me into thinking the MCs' thoughts and actions have some grounds but they really don't. If you introduce a then I have the right to say that's bullshit.
Maybe this book is not for me. A pity, because I really like the plot and the setting. Guess I can't always win.
@Lena and Baba: Sorry, girls, I couldn't make it. Are we still friends? :)
WHAT. THE. COÑO.
I can't fall for it, it makes me feel stupid.
I had great expectations on this book, but the first pages are just a waste of time. Too hurried. Too empty. Too melodramatic. I can't shake the feeling the author is trying to fool me into thinking the MCs' thoughts and actions have some grounds but they really don't. If you introduce a then I have the right to say that's bullshit.
Maybe this book is not for me. A pity, because I really like the plot and the setting. Guess I can't always win.
@Lena and Baba: Sorry, girls, I couldn't make it. Are we still friends? :)
August 31, 2014
Intensely moving beyond reason. A 'story' so visceral I was in awe and could not fathom it never happened except in that of this writer's fertile imagination. It's an intense historically acurate time period of a beautifully native land and its deeply reverent people that defied all gender boundaries in a very bruisingly-bittersweet love story.
Two excellent viewpoints for thought:
REVIEW #1
REVIEW #2
Two excellent viewpoints for thought:
REVIEW #1
REVIEW #2
![Profile Image for annob [on hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1674812294i%2F68231680._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 15, 2023
I expected a historical romance, got an epic historical love story instead. Even without , I adored it.
There are a lot of dark and despairing twists and turns, and the ending was nothing short of brutal. But I wouldn't want it any other way, and there was plenty of love and light to make a good balance between the two.
I could not put the book down, I was hooked throughout. I've already started book 2.
There are a lot of dark and despairing twists and turns, and the ending was nothing short of brutal. But I wouldn't want it any other way, and there was plenty of love and light to make a good balance between the two.
I could not put the book down, I was hooked throughout. I've already started book 2.
February 8, 2012
This was a beautiful and well written story. I won't retell the background of Billy and Cut Hand as many reviewers have already. The story is really a combination of love stories all wrapped into one book. The love between Billy and his Native American husband, Cut Hand, flows through the book. Seeing the trust and respect Billy earned as The Red Win-tay was both funny and heart warming even though I believe that Billy was all man and not a flaming win-tay. Being a cross cultural story, there was also the unique love story of Billy and the Yanube tribe that adopted him. These loves never ran smoothly but what love does. The third love story was between the Indian people and the land. Mr. Wildyr did a tremendous job of giving the reader a close look into Native American culture. The huge cast of characters that Billy and Cut Hand deal with are all so very real that you get to know them well. The entire story was well developed and read easily and quickly. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great historical read.
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
February 19, 2011
Great historical novel. Erotic without all the details. Tells the story of a white man that comes to be made a part of an Indian tribe at the coming of the white man to the plains. Great story, I learned a lot thru the history of this man and the Indian men he touched.
January 24, 2012
The simple beauty of early 1800's frontier America drew me in from the start. The direct honesty of the believable characters captivated my burning interest. The story is laced with real history in the making while following the lives of an American Indian tribe and its principal characters, a Chiefton's son (Cut Hand) and his loving white man and former captor (Billy, The Teacher). The hot sex scenes pepper a series of enlightening frontier dealings with the local Fort and its surrounding town, local and sometimes hostile tribes, the annual buffalo hunt, and much more.
June 29, 2013
This is a powerful and serious book. Be aware that it will surprise and tear your heart out, just to mend it back in a different way.
August 14, 2010
I saw this book was on the tops cart Thursday night and I think I have to read it.
The description is awesome -- had me from the first line. But oh, this part:
"Plunged into a strange culture where his lust for another man is not regarded as disgraceful, Billy agrees to become Cut’s winkte wife, an act that brings problems, but not from the direction he anticipated."
The description is awesome -- had me from the first line. But oh, this part:
"Plunged into a strange culture where his lust for another man is not regarded as disgraceful, Billy agrees to become Cut’s winkte wife, an act that brings problems, but not from the direction he anticipated."
October 2, 2010
Mark Wildyr’s cross-culture novel “Cut Hand” [StarBooks Press, 2010] was a delightful find for me. To explain, I usually shy away from “Wild West” stories because they tend to be little more than loosely strung together sexual romps, to which the plot only serves to move the characters from one tryst to another. On the contrary “Cut Hand,” while sexy, is a plot-driven, insightful look at “Two Spirit” customs within North American Native cultures. Moreover, since it places a white boy in the role of the wink-te (pronounced “wan-te” in this story) it is unique approach to it.
Billy Strobaw is the product of Tory parents (called “Loyalists” in Canada) who are unsettled as a result of the American War of Independence. He and his family therefore become outcasts in their own land, and after their untimely deaths young Billy decides to seek his fortune in the Far West. Enroute, his party saves a handsome young Indian named Cut Hand from certain death by a rival band. Thereafter Billy is surprised by his unexpected physical reaction to the Indian brave. Surprisingly Cut Hand returns his attention to not only steal Billy’s heart but also convinces him to live among his people.
Thrust without preparation into a strange culture, Billy agrees to become Cut Hand’s winkte wife; an act that brings problems but not from the direction he expected. As the two men work to overcome the differences in their cultural backgrounds, Billy comes to appreciate the Native Americans for their oneness with the land and their staunch loyalty to one another.
To simply say that this story is “plot-driven” does not do it the justice it deserved. This is a superbly researched glimpse of “a time never again to be seen on the Great Plains,” and done with such credibility that it is a veritable history lesson in itself. Also woven into this is a sometimes poignant story of love between men: manly men; husbands and wink-te wives; warriors; and yet so human that anyone could identify with them.
While commenting on the superlatives inherent in this work, one shouldn’t overlook the cast of true-to-life characters. Wildyr has given each of these a distinctive character, and then goes on to develop and expand it as the story progresses. Moreover, he has resisted the pitfalls of stereotyping the Natives, especially, and has not attempted to ‘sanitize’ them, either.
Altogether, this is quintessential historical fiction encompassing a fascinating topic and period in history. Five stars.
Billy Strobaw is the product of Tory parents (called “Loyalists” in Canada) who are unsettled as a result of the American War of Independence. He and his family therefore become outcasts in their own land, and after their untimely deaths young Billy decides to seek his fortune in the Far West. Enroute, his party saves a handsome young Indian named Cut Hand from certain death by a rival band. Thereafter Billy is surprised by his unexpected physical reaction to the Indian brave. Surprisingly Cut Hand returns his attention to not only steal Billy’s heart but also convinces him to live among his people.
Thrust without preparation into a strange culture, Billy agrees to become Cut Hand’s winkte wife; an act that brings problems but not from the direction he expected. As the two men work to overcome the differences in their cultural backgrounds, Billy comes to appreciate the Native Americans for their oneness with the land and their staunch loyalty to one another.
To simply say that this story is “plot-driven” does not do it the justice it deserved. This is a superbly researched glimpse of “a time never again to be seen on the Great Plains,” and done with such credibility that it is a veritable history lesson in itself. Also woven into this is a sometimes poignant story of love between men: manly men; husbands and wink-te wives; warriors; and yet so human that anyone could identify with them.
While commenting on the superlatives inherent in this work, one shouldn’t overlook the cast of true-to-life characters. Wildyr has given each of these a distinctive character, and then goes on to develop and expand it as the story progresses. Moreover, he has resisted the pitfalls of stereotyping the Natives, especially, and has not attempted to ‘sanitize’ them, either.
Altogether, this is quintessential historical fiction encompassing a fascinating topic and period in history. Five stars.
October 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
At one point in Mark Wildyr’s extraordinary novel his handsome title character, the Peace Chief of the Yanube Indian Siouan tribe, outlines the premise of Cut Hand, when he says to the white man, William (Billy) Joseph Strobaw, who has become known to the Indians as ‘Teacher’, “The mistake is two different cultures. In his, you do not say no to him. In your’s you are free to disagree. He will stay out there until he gets his horses. Then he will come back and marry the girl. He is bound on it. You have lost him unless you will share him.”
Throughout this historical romance novel opening on the American frontier in the 1830’s, the relationship between Cut Hand and Billy changes multiple times with Billy as the initial aggressor only to become the willing ‘win-tke’ to Cut Hand. However, Billy is unlike any win-tke the tribe has ever encountered before, insisting on maintaining many roles traditionally assigned only to men and soon becoming the teacher of all the men in the tribe.
Others have commented on the unusual writing style employed by Mr. Wildyr and it does take some getting used to. He describes himself as an Albuquerque author of historical and contemporary gay erotic fiction, and if you stick with his novel - and occasionally Google terms such as as win-tke and berdache as I did, you’ll find yourself learning a great deal about our nation’s history that you may not have known before.
A VERY SERIOUS
Cut Hand is not an easy or particularly happy story, but it does seem to ring true. It’s the first book of a five volume series (only four of which have been published so far) that Wildyr has termed his Strobaw Family Saga. I look forward to reading the second volume, River Otter, in the very near future.
At one point in Mark Wildyr’s extraordinary novel his handsome title character, the Peace Chief of the Yanube Indian Siouan tribe, outlines the premise of Cut Hand, when he says to the white man, William (Billy) Joseph Strobaw, who has become known to the Indians as ‘Teacher’, “The mistake is two different cultures. In his, you do not say no to him. In your’s you are free to disagree. He will stay out there until he gets his horses. Then he will come back and marry the girl. He is bound on it. You have lost him unless you will share him.”
Throughout this historical romance novel opening on the American frontier in the 1830’s, the relationship between Cut Hand and Billy changes multiple times with Billy as the initial aggressor only to become the willing ‘win-tke’ to Cut Hand. However, Billy is unlike any win-tke the tribe has ever encountered before, insisting on maintaining many roles traditionally assigned only to men and soon becoming the teacher of all the men in the tribe.
Others have commented on the unusual writing style employed by Mr. Wildyr and it does take some getting used to. He describes himself as an Albuquerque author of historical and contemporary gay erotic fiction, and if you stick with his novel - and occasionally Google terms such as as win-tke and berdache as I did, you’ll find yourself learning a great deal about our nation’s history that you may not have known before.
A VERY SERIOUS
Cut Hand is not an easy or particularly happy story, but it does seem to ring true. It’s the first book of a five volume series (only four of which have been published so far) that Wildyr has termed his Strobaw Family Saga. I look forward to reading the second volume, River Otter, in the very near future.
May 3, 2013
*contains some but not all spoilers*
This book is ......interesting in a good way, overall i thought it was a good read and it had me cursing at Mountain Mist aloud for far more than i care to admit. The only thing that stopped me from giving it a 5 was that i thought " Ok, the books name is "cut hand" theres someone named Cut hand in the book , that's who he'll end up with!" ......no. that did not happen. They meet when Cut hand is the prisoner of Billy's hunting party and when he is left in charge of the prisoner billy proceeds to force himself on Cuthand and while this surprised me i was confused. Wasn't Billy supposedly a good "christian" man? I just couldn't believe that someone who was so acutely aware of how "wrong" these acts were he had no qualms about "gettin it in" the FIRST night they meet. Then two days later they're married then they go to the village , then they build a house then cut hand needs a son so he has to marry a girl .Billy's all "oh no u di-int!" and divorces him. Then he comes back and starts looking at one of the men who stay with him alot , marries him says "i love you" and they go at it like rabbits in heat for two years until Lone Eagle (that's his name) decides he wants to populate the earth so Billy was all " Oh HELL no" and divorces him then decides he likes Otter the other guy who has been living with him (Mind you all this take place within a 6yr span of time). Otter declares his love (undying of course) and wants to be his wintay wife (don't ask). Now while i do appreciate the fact that the book kept me guessing ( who's he gonna marry now? him? no. Him?) im not sure i liked the whole married three times thing even though i love Otter. I think the author built up Cut hand and every time they met after the divorce i was hoping they would just get back together! I did want to shed a tear by the end but i was a bit uncomfortable with how quickly the "i love yous" were exchanged and the whole "multiple-loves" thing. I don't know if im just old fashioned but in a romance i'd like to know who to root for. That being said. Otter is the cutest thing, waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than lone eagle(bleh) and Cut Hand ( really? Mountain Mist? of all the lecherous you-know-whats you chose one named "mountain mist"?!?!?! ugh go choke on it!) as you can see i was very involved in this story
This book is ......interesting in a good way, overall i thought it was a good read and it had me cursing at Mountain Mist aloud for far more than i care to admit. The only thing that stopped me from giving it a 5 was that i thought " Ok, the books name is "cut hand" theres someone named Cut hand in the book , that's who he'll end up with!" ......no. that did not happen. They meet when Cut hand is the prisoner of Billy's hunting party and when he is left in charge of the prisoner billy proceeds to force himself on Cuthand and while this surprised me i was confused. Wasn't Billy supposedly a good "christian" man? I just couldn't believe that someone who was so acutely aware of how "wrong" these acts were he had no qualms about "gettin it in" the FIRST night they meet. Then two days later they're married then they go to the village , then they build a house then cut hand needs a son so he has to marry a girl .Billy's all "oh no u di-int!" and divorces him. Then he comes back and starts looking at one of the men who stay with him alot , marries him says "i love you" and they go at it like rabbits in heat for two years until Lone Eagle (that's his name) decides he wants to populate the earth so Billy was all " Oh HELL no" and divorces him then decides he likes Otter the other guy who has been living with him (Mind you all this take place within a 6yr span of time). Otter declares his love (undying of course) and wants to be his wintay wife (don't ask). Now while i do appreciate the fact that the book kept me guessing ( who's he gonna marry now? him? no. Him?) im not sure i liked the whole married three times thing even though i love Otter. I think the author built up Cut hand and every time they met after the divorce i was hoping they would just get back together! I did want to shed a tear by the end but i was a bit uncomfortable with how quickly the "i love yous" were exchanged and the whole "multiple-loves" thing. I don't know if im just old fashioned but in a romance i'd like to know who to root for. That being said. Otter is the cutest thing, waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than lone eagle(bleh) and Cut Hand ( really? Mountain Mist? of all the lecherous you-know-whats you chose one named "mountain mist"?!?!?! ugh go choke on it!) as you can see i was very involved in this story
March 2, 2021
Epic, tragic, and spellbinding are all words I could use to describe this historical tale set in the early part of the nineteenth century in the Wild West, just at the point in time where white men began the genocide of Native Americans in earnest. Seen through the eyes of Billy, a young white man who lost his family and ventures west, it is a story about cross-cultural encounters, curiosity about how others live and what they believe, and love found and lost, then found again elsewhere. I did not expect a happy ending based on the realism with which the author approaches Billy and Cut Hand’s relationship from the start, but I still kept hoping for one. Instead, Billy finds happiness in different and sometimes unexpected ways, and the tale of his life is fascinating as a result.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 2, 2021
Epic, tragic, and spellbinding are all words I could use to describe this historical tale set in the early part of the nineteenth century in the Wild West, just at the point in time where white men began the genocide of Native Americans in earnest. Seen through the eyes of Billy, a young white man who lost his family and ventures west, it is a story about cross-cultural encounters, curiosity about how others live and what they believe, and love found and lost, then found again elsewhere. I did not expect a happy ending based on the realism with which the author approaches Billy and Cut Hand’s relationship from the start, but I still kept hoping for one. Instead, Billy finds happiness in different and sometimes unexpected ways, and the tale of his life is fascinating as a result.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 16, 2010
ok, a very different read, especially due to its "old west" language; but if you like anything remotedly to do with indians and old west, this is great.
October 15, 2014
**contains spoilers**
This is an exceptionally well-written and well-researched historical m/m romance novel set in the early 19th century great plains of North America. It explores same-sex attraction across cultures--a white American and a Native American fall in love. Mr. Wildyr does an excellent job of portraying the winkte, a third gender present in many North American tribes under different names. I loved the ways that Billy Strobaw did and did not choose to fit into the winkte role, and all of the wrangling and intercultural compromise that this generated. Great characters and a great story!
I learned about the winkte and similar third genders (whom the French called berdache) in a college anthropology class called "Sex, Gender, and Culture." This role existed in many tribes across North America (and perhaps further). We mostly know of it through Spanish and French colonial accounts. The colonizers were utterly scandalized and often reacted with violence and disdain.
My favorite record was written by a Spanish priest who entered a room where a Native American couple was staying in a southern California mission. He found the two of them making love, and realized that (by his lights) they were both men! He was horrified. The Apache warrior (if I remember the tribe correctly) found the priest's reaction confusing. He tried to calm the clergyman by explaining that his sex partner was his wife. The Apache's explanation did not have the desired result. The priest was not wigged out due to sex out of wedlock, alas.
There is another gender role that existed in some tribes. It translates as "Manly-Hearted Woman." These were young girls who preferred activities associated with the male gender (hunting, raiding, etc.). They were raised in the tribe's male role, dressed as men, could take a wife (or wives), and take part in (and sometimes lead) raiding or war parties. The Manly-Hearted Woman did not, unfortunately, appear in the book.
I was delighted to find this aspect of Native culture in fiction writing. I'd only ever read about it in academic literature. This is yet another example of how same-sex attraction is often left out of the histories and stories that we read.
This is an exceptionally well-written and well-researched historical m/m romance novel set in the early 19th century great plains of North America. It explores same-sex attraction across cultures--a white American and a Native American fall in love. Mr. Wildyr does an excellent job of portraying the winkte, a third gender present in many North American tribes under different names. I loved the ways that Billy Strobaw did and did not choose to fit into the winkte role, and all of the wrangling and intercultural compromise that this generated. Great characters and a great story!
I learned about the winkte and similar third genders (whom the French called berdache) in a college anthropology class called "Sex, Gender, and Culture." This role existed in many tribes across North America (and perhaps further). We mostly know of it through Spanish and French colonial accounts. The colonizers were utterly scandalized and often reacted with violence and disdain.
My favorite record was written by a Spanish priest who entered a room where a Native American couple was staying in a southern California mission. He found the two of them making love, and realized that (by his lights) they were both men! He was horrified. The Apache warrior (if I remember the tribe correctly) found the priest's reaction confusing. He tried to calm the clergyman by explaining that his sex partner was his wife. The Apache's explanation did not have the desired result. The priest was not wigged out due to sex out of wedlock, alas.
There is another gender role that existed in some tribes. It translates as "Manly-Hearted Woman." These were young girls who preferred activities associated with the male gender (hunting, raiding, etc.). They were raised in the tribe's male role, dressed as men, could take a wife (or wives), and take part in (and sometimes lead) raiding or war parties. The Manly-Hearted Woman did not, unfortunately, appear in the book.
I was delighted to find this aspect of Native culture in fiction writing. I'd only ever read about it in academic literature. This is yet another example of how same-sex attraction is often left out of the histories and stories that we read.
September 1, 2019
If I'm honest I really don't know how to rate this book. First off this is not a romance book despite its tags. Yes, Billy does end up married several times throughout this book but there is very little feeling and emotion in this book. Written like a journal it basically tells the life of Billy and what happens to him. There are no real inner thoughts of the characters, or emotions coming through. The sex is brief perfunctory. It is a string of events that happen to him. It also lacks in some believably in the start of their relationship and some of the other ones that follow have me raising my eyebrows. The title also bugs me in this book for Cut Hand is not the main character in this book. He isn't even the man Billy spends most of his life with. I'm not even going to into their relationship which with the entrance of Meadow Mist pissed me off.
Still I did read this book straight through. By the time I put it down I was was interested in knowing what happens to Otter who I felt got the short end of the stick through out this entire book. Taken this as a historical fiction book with a gay men this isn't a bad book, but if your looking for a romance book this is a terrible book.
Still I did read this book straight through. By the time I put it down I was was interested in knowing what happens to Otter who I felt got the short end of the stick through out this entire book. Taken this as a historical fiction book with a gay men this isn't a bad book, but if your looking for a romance book this is a terrible book.
August 11, 2014
I expected this to be more of a romance read, but it's not. It's difficult to describe what the book is actually, but that's not necessarily bad. It was beautifully educational about Native Americans and it's written in the style of the time, and it takes a bit of getting used to - different speech patterns and the like. This made it difficult to get into, but if you stick with it, it's a great historical fiction. It is probably just a shame that I was in the mood for a light-hearted read; and 'Cut Hand' is not that!
February 16, 2015
I really liked the history and the portraying of the Native Americans..
but I would have liked more time with Cut Hand and the ending was really sad. Teacher and Cut Hand together were great! I guess this way was more realistic but I missed their relationship and would have liked, maybe not more focus on them because that would have diminished the bigger plot and message of the book, but at least more time of them together.
but I would have liked more time with Cut Hand and the ending was really sad. Teacher and Cut Hand together were great! I guess this way was more realistic but I missed their relationship and would have liked, maybe not more focus on them because that would have diminished the bigger plot and message of the book, but at least more time of them together.
August 2, 2018
Where to begin? 'Cut Hand' touched my heart and soul.
From the very first pages, the story grabs you by the collar and pulls you into a world rich with history, culture and imagery. At times you feel as if you're right there, witnessing everything for yourself, and at other times you feel like you're being confided in by a dear friend, thanks to Billy's faithful narration.
Billy tells everything like it is, omitting nothing, exaggerating nothing. He doesn't talk about himself, but from his words you get a real sense of Billy's character; larger than life, wise, kind, courageous. A quiet hero with no golden badge to identify him, but who touches the lives of those he meets nonetheless.
Wildyr's writing is faultless. The story is well paced, neither too slow nor too fast. Descriptions are given where necessary but not excessively drawn out. The historical accuracy in terms of cultural notes, dates, and events of the time period is an ode the amount of research that has gone into this work. They really create the sense that everything that is happening is real, and as other reviewers have mentioned, you finish the book unable to fathom that the story you just read didn't really happen. Maybe those characters names were created by Mark Wildyr, but you can absolutely believe that the story happened to actual people with different names living at that time.
This book gave me joy, gave me gut-wrenching pain, but most of all, it came alive inside my mind and its crowning glory is the place it will forever have in my heart as one of my all-time favourite books.
Thank you Mark Wildyr. I can't wait to read more from you!
From the very first pages, the story grabs you by the collar and pulls you into a world rich with history, culture and imagery. At times you feel as if you're right there, witnessing everything for yourself, and at other times you feel like you're being confided in by a dear friend, thanks to Billy's faithful narration.
Billy tells everything like it is, omitting nothing, exaggerating nothing. He doesn't talk about himself, but from his words you get a real sense of Billy's character; larger than life, wise, kind, courageous. A quiet hero with no golden badge to identify him, but who touches the lives of those he meets nonetheless.
Wildyr's writing is faultless. The story is well paced, neither too slow nor too fast. Descriptions are given where necessary but not excessively drawn out. The historical accuracy in terms of cultural notes, dates, and events of the time period is an ode the amount of research that has gone into this work. They really create the sense that everything that is happening is real, and as other reviewers have mentioned, you finish the book unable to fathom that the story you just read didn't really happen. Maybe those characters names were created by Mark Wildyr, but you can absolutely believe that the story happened to actual people with different names living at that time.
This book gave me joy, gave me gut-wrenching pain, but most of all, it came alive inside my mind and its crowning glory is the place it will forever have in my heart as one of my all-time favourite books.
Thank you Mark Wildyr. I can't wait to read more from you!
November 12, 2023
This is a strange one. I don't usually enjoy this style of narration because it makes me feel emotionally dettached from the characters, I don't think this book belongs in the romance category and it was very sad at some points, but despite all those things I couldn't put this down.
It's true that I didn't care that much about Billy's relationships, but I was interested in the story of Billy's life with the tribe. In the end I was left with a bittersweet feeling, but glad that I had given this book a chance.
It's true that I didn't care that much about Billy's relationships, but I was interested in the story of Billy's life with the tribe. In the end I was left with a bittersweet feeling, but glad that I had given this book a chance.
July 25, 2025
It was kind of romantic. Gave some perspective in Indian culture regarding gay men.
November 1, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Cut Hand is something of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, it’s a beautiful love story between two men who defy society’s expectations of them. And it’s a tragic tale of love lost and of the destruction of a people by a white nation who claimed to be superior. But Cut Hand is also filled with purple prose, awkward writing, a seemingly omnipotent narrator, and a first meeting based on rape.
Let’s start with the good. Cut Hand and Billy are both endearing and memorable characters. They’re strong men and while accepting of their relationship, the Yanube expect Billy to act in a certain way. He never conforms to this and we applaud him for being his own man. And we equally applaud the Yanube people for loving him in spite of his failure to conform to a mold. Cut Hand is young and headstrong, but he loves his people more than anything and his devotion is inspiring. Both are well rounded and fully formed characters, as are further members of the tribe. They are portrayed as a living, breathing people and it’s easy to relate to them as a result.
There are no happy endings here, at least not the traditional ones, and there are some exceptionally painful moments in Cut Hand, but this is well balanced with moments of happiness. There are also multiple relationships and in reality Billy and Cut Hand are a couple for only about half the book. But there is realism in this and the author does a good job portraying how people and their relationships change over time.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Cut Hand is something of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, it’s a beautiful love story between two men who defy society’s expectations of them. And it’s a tragic tale of love lost and of the destruction of a people by a white nation who claimed to be superior. But Cut Hand is also filled with purple prose, awkward writing, a seemingly omnipotent narrator, and a first meeting based on rape.
Let’s start with the good. Cut Hand and Billy are both endearing and memorable characters. They’re strong men and while accepting of their relationship, the Yanube expect Billy to act in a certain way. He never conforms to this and we applaud him for being his own man. And we equally applaud the Yanube people for loving him in spite of his failure to conform to a mold. Cut Hand is young and headstrong, but he loves his people more than anything and his devotion is inspiring. Both are well rounded and fully formed characters, as are further members of the tribe. They are portrayed as a living, breathing people and it’s easy to relate to them as a result.
There are no happy endings here, at least not the traditional ones, and there are some exceptionally painful moments in Cut Hand, but this is well balanced with moments of happiness. There are also multiple relationships and in reality Billy and Cut Hand are a couple for only about half the book. But there is realism in this and the author does a good job portraying how people and their relationships change over time.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
July 17, 2015
Although I had a couple of issues with this book, they were small enough for me to give five stars.
This is such a wonderful story that truly kept me wondering what's next? The writing is strong, the characters are very likable, and as drawn out as the story is, it still had an even pace.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is such a wonderful story that truly kept me wondering what's next? The writing is strong, the characters are very likable, and as drawn out as the story is, it still had an even pace.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 28, 2023
I fucking despised this! I really wanted to shoot Cut for cheating on Billy, and then the second guy who also did the same. The third guy was nice though. But god damn I felt so sorry for poor Billy. The men here were scumbags
February 10, 2015
It's an incredibly intense and moving story. Highly recommended!
Read
June 23, 2013So far I hate that bitch morning mist. I don't know if I can read the rest
Read
April 20, 2018While I liked the setting and idea, the writing style really wasn't my cup of tea. Shame.
DNFed.
DNFed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews