Museum of Human Beings: A Novel

by Colin W. Sargent

Book by Sargent, Colin

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adventure, Native American

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

On the 2023 U.S. release of Red Hands

Hunt them down!

Heedless, headstrong, and headlong love. Who knew it would doom her country, too? Intelligent, stylish Iordana wasn’t interested in communist strategies while she enjoyed spectacular privilege–unimaginable to the 20 million souls living under the iron fist of a dictatorship ruled by a murderous family she chose to marry into.

But as a member of the elite Nomenclatura during Romania's cool 1960s, she had to have her Valentin. Just as she rose in the Ceausescu clan over her parents’ objections, so she fell when the murderous dictator and his criminal partner were taken down.

“Death to the Dracu grandson” rang through the subways. An angry world chased her and her son in an effort to wipe the name Ceausescu off the face of the earth. They hunted her from Bucharest to Israel to Canada to closer than you think. She escaped to the other side of the world, only to find herself branded an illegal alien in a quiet suburb on the coast of Maine.

Where to go? Where to hide? How will he even register for school? A tiny town in America will have to do for now.



On The Boston Castrato, 2017

One of the inspirations for my writing The Boston Castrato is a recovered memory. Cleaning out my basement, I ran into a battered report card from the Ledgemere Country Day School in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. "After a very rocky start, Colin's behavior has improved and is now more in line with the norm."

About this rocky start. On the first day of school, I slipped out of class, climbed to the attic, popped through the skylight, and crawled up on the roof for a good look around. At home, my climbing pursuits had been encouraged, as my father was a B-17 pilot. But in kindergarten, I was most surprised to learn this was not the case. As punishment for giving everyone a big scare, I was forced to sit for a week at the PINK table, where all bad boys were marooned. Yes, I learned my lesson, but perhaps just not the one intended. This was my first experience with cultural castration, in this case by gender color-shaming. In one fell swoop, all the girls in the class were insulted, too.

I feel connected with outsiders, people dismissed for their culture, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, the cut of their clothes, their dreams. I even feel drawn to smokers now, exiled and marginalized, forced to do their dirty business in the rain. Once they were people. They were stylish people! Then they were people who smoked. Now, ominously, they are Smokers. Once we've given you a label–and yes, we're all guilty of this–we've got you.

My novel Museum of Human Beings was about Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the expedition papoose of the Lewis & Clark Voyage of Discovery who we decided would remain a baby forever. On coins, in school, on paintings, in song. How easy. We didn't even use his name. We labeled him the Papoose, which is really what he was riding in.

We use labels to make sense of the Universe, but in doing so we create nonsense.

There is a growing awareness of the tension between self-definition (by sex, by attraction, by ethnicity, by race, by age) and cosmic definition. These handles become elusive under scrutiny. Gender is not in your genitals, and sexual orientation is not in your anatomical sex organs. Raffi gives up conventional manhood by going through the most obvious transformation for the promise of celebrity. The Boston Castrato illustrates how corrosive labels can be, and how castrating, in that they make a person feel powerless. There are so many other ways your power can be taken from you, some of our choosing, some by birth, and some by circumstance.

At a dinner party, a friend (who died last year of multiple sclerosis but always kept her own naughty sense of humor, even in paraplegia) rabbit punched me with, Must everything be a joke to you? in her usual Teutonic clip. I'm experimenti

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

After the Pacific Expedition, the son of Sacagawea goes to live with Meriwether Clark. Attracting the notice of a visiting Duke, he is taken to Europe and raised to be a gentleman. Eventually, he returns to the new world, and wanders the frontier to find out who he really is.

Very literary.

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting account of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau, of Lewis and Clark fame. The author acknowledges that it is a product of imagination, but the historical background certainly appears to me as fairly accurate. The mystical
and psychological explanations are no doubt somewhat of an invention, but certainly could be
as reasonable as any other explanation of the characters thoughts and actions.

I found the book to be an easy read and totally enjoyed it. The author has previously published books of poetry which could explain his seemingly easy style of prose.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Mary Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good thing the author is married, because I am so in love with his sentence structure after reading two of his novels, I would propose to him on that basis alone.
Baptiste is the son of Sacajawea, and moves between the spiritual world of the "Indian," and the largely greedy, sinful world of the whites. His adventures are large, and his connection to his mother's spirit is powerful. Most enjoyable adventure.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a GoodReads giveaway.
This a fictional account of the life of Jean Baptists. Also the adventures of Lewis and Clark.
I gave this 3 stars keeping it neutral. I didn't care for this one. I think its probably because I have never really liked history.
This book seems to be well written.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free via Goodreads giveaways.

This was definitely an interesting read. As it is historical fiction it sure kept me interested. However there were times that the story skipped in a way that I had to reread previous passages to ensure I hadn't missed something. This type of writing style isn't my favorite but the story itself was enough to hold my interest.

[Chaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting historical fiction novel about the son of Sacagawea. Good historical detail, very nice writing. A little tough to read certain parts, and very harsh on the "white man."

Thank you to the author and publisher for a review copy.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A stunning reimagining of history.”
I discovered Museum of Human Beings through Nostalgia Book Club, and it completely reshaped how I see historical fiction. Sargent gives forgotten lives the dignity and voice they deserve. Every chapter feels alive.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this novel from Nostalgia Book Club was like stepping into another time. Colin Sargent’s prose flows like poetry elegant yet raw, capturing both pain and beauty with equal grace. – Nostalgia Book Club Member

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Nostalgia Book Club, I found a story that’s more than history it’s humanity distilled. Sargent writes with empathy and courage, bringing depth to characters history nearly erased. – Nostalgia Book Club Reader

[Nicole Bishop Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it! I normally read for entertainment during my spare time but this was a wonderful change. Don't get me wrong I was entertained but I learned so much. Thank you!

[Audrey Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting subject matter, highly recommend this one.

[Tena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway.

[Anthony Cleveland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never really captured my attention. Writing was OK but somewhat disjointed; the connections from chapter to chapter were challenging to follow. Not sure I would recommend.

[Barbara Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Museum of Human Beings in Nostalgia Book Club’s spotlight, and I was captivated. The writing is atmospheric and intelligent, a reminder that great storytelling never fades.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark party on the journey to find a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean.

She carried her son, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau with her. Also in the party was Baptiste's father. He was not talented enough to actually be the guide Sacagawea was. He was drunk most of the time and he was physically abusive to Sacagawea.

This book illustrates the past cruelties of man to his fellow man. It is fiction, but it is an example of the historical mistreatment of anyone who was not seen as a superior being. Native Americans fell into the same classification as any other person of color.

Baptiste is treated as a lesser human being no matter where he goes nor what he does. He is used and abused by everyone he meets in every degrading manner imaginable.

I admire the writing ability of Mr Sargent. His talent is evident.

But, his outlook on the world and his fellow man made me depressed. I am aware that people in the 19th century had very different viewpoints than are common today. There was little or no tolerance around. But, I was not comfortable believing that there were no people who had any kindness in their hearts.

The writing was exceptional. The story itself provided me with a dark and depressing outlook on the world.

I won this book in a contest. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

[Jamie Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early in American history there was a time when racial lines were not nearly as solidly drawn as the stereotypes which haunt the country to this day. Native Americans, Asians, blacks, whites, and children of every combination of mixed heritage struggled to define their roles in a land in flux, a land they all felt a claim to. Colin Sargent has explored this state of yearning and confusion in the life of Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of the illustrious Sacagawea. Jean-Baptiste is not only one of the last inheritors of his mother’s traditions, but he is also the illegitimate son of William Clark. He is the conflict between Europe and Native America, old world and new, embodied in human form. Museum of Human Beings is the fictionalized story of his life, from his flirtation with the culture of old Europe to his retreat to the American wilderness, always trying to find himself among the disparity of his inheritances.

This is clearly a promising premise, and the writing and characterization of this first novel largely do justice to it. The plot and construction of the novel are weaker. Jean-Baptiste’s life is presented in fits and jumps, and it is unclear why certain episodes are emphasized, while there is no harmony in the structure of the novel. The narration is emotionally distant, with Jean-Baptiste’s travels presented in a far-away panorama, never approaching too close to his heart.

Despite these flaws the pathos of Jean-Baptiste’s situation is clear. I also found my interest in this time in American history stoked, surely a good side-effect of any historical novel. I feel that the novel could have benefited from some thoughtful editing and restructuring, but anyone with an interest in early American history or the ambiguity of race will be likely to enjoy the read.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Museum of Human Beings written by Colin Sargent, is a fictionalized accounting of Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau s life. He was the infant that is depicted on the Sacagawea golden dollar coins, and was the son of Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau. There were some clever features to this book such as the description of signs from the Native American sign language at the beginning of each chapter. The signs give an added dimension to each chapter, and are a fitting and entertaining reminder as to who the story is about. [return][return]There were two journeys described in this book, one being the Lewis and Clark expedition and the other being Jean-Baptiste s journey of self discovery. During his voyage to Europe, a powerful revelation is provided about Jean-Baptiste. He forgot his mother, and he knew Clark had forgotten him. He began to steal from himself (pg. 60). It is very clear that the reader will witness the psychological destruction of this character, not only by his benefactor, but by himself. Even though Jean-Baptiste was provided an excellent education, he paid a very heavy price for it. I did have a difficult time relating to the characters in this book, especially Jean-Baptiste, and at times believed that the author should have given us a little more insight into his thoughts. Readers are provided with snippets and at times powerful insights from this character; however, considering the complex and serious issues faced by him, the scarcity of insights occasionally creates an uncomfortable disconnect from this character. This being my only complaint with the book, I thought over all it was very well written. The Museum of Human Beings painted a interesting picture of what life may have been like on the American frontier in the 1800s for European Americans and Native Americans, and it left me wanting to learn more about this period of history.

[John Szalasny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I obtained a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a fictionalized story of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacagawea, who starts the book strapped to his mother's back as part of the Lewis & Clark expedition. His story is of one looking for his place in life, while filling the role of the curiosity, by virtue of his famous parents and his mixed race. His story is also one looking for inner peace as he struggles with the early death of his mother, and his anger at the abandonment of his father and the uncaring foster care by William Lewis.

The author gives a good historical portrayal of a man who dealt with discrimination at home, going to Europe as a zoo animal, returning to America cultured, multilingual, and still not part of the White or Indian worlds. The title refers to the collection of William Lewis that was on display in St Louis but is now lost to time. Charbonneau was as much a part of this collection as the arrow heads and plants in the museum.

My rating is 3.5 stars. As Charbonneau, the story moves from event to event seamlessly, but there is no one scene that gave one the reason to have a strong emotional attachment to the book to give it a higher rating.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book in 2019 and then stopped reading because it didn't hold my interest so I stopped reading in March 2019 and marked it as not-interested-to-read. I kept putting it in the donation pile and then saving it at the last minute. I picked it up again last week and began to read. I was drawn in immediately to Jean Baptiste Charbonneau's trials and triumphs. I recommend this book if you like history; Baptiste is the son of Sacajawea and was with her on the Corp of Discovery's epic journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. Sacajawea was the guide for the trip and Baptiste road much of the journey in a papoose board on her back. Through flashbacks, we view some of the events through the eyes of the young child.

Baptiste lived in St. Louis with Clark until he was sent to Europe with a European Duke, ostensibly to train the young man in the culture of Europe. Baptiste learned his lessons well and performed throughout Europe until he decided he wanted to go back to St. Louis. His arrival in St. Louis was not what he expected so he decided to become a trapper. Over the years, Baptiste became more Indian but was always between two worlds.

Read the book about this historical figure that is invisible to most people - just as Baptiste often felt.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pompey (also called "Pomp") was born to Sacajewea as she led Lewis and Clark on a famous/infamous journey exploring the American West. Son of the Native American guide and her fur trapper husband, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau lived a fascinating life that included Captain Lewis serving as patron and father figure, long years of European travels with minor royalty, working the western fur trade, scouting for various military figures, acting as mayor of Mission San Luis Rey, mining in the early California Gold Rush and more. His life reads like a Forrest Gump who's who and who was where of his time.

Sargent imagines what it might have been like for this extraordinary man (fluent in numerous languages, classically educated, world-traveled) to find his place in the world.The book is heartbreaking as it details a lost soul escaping, losing love and his bearings, never quite fitting in. I might have liked it better if I hadn't been left with such a sadness and regret for Baptiste, who in this telling was a renaissance man, but not admirable. His lost soul longing overshadows his accomplishments.

Still, a fascinating look at a man and his time.

[Kerfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out slowly, but turns into an engrossing story. A fictionalized imagining of the life of Sacagawea's son, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, it blends known facts with Native American lore and the entanglement and clashing of the cultures of the world.

Do these individual cultures belong to all humans, can they be absorbed and borrowed from without shame, or must they be seen as genuine only in their own context? Does the culture that raises us, teaches us, own us? Or do bloodlines take precedence? What about those whose heritage is mixed, or those raised in and by many cultures, as those of the present time inevitably are? How to keep one's integrity, escape the slavery of serving others, and yet survive?

Sargeant's narrative gives no clear answer. Baptiste, as he stumbles through his life in search of himself, sees the connections that bind the world together, and how one action sends waves in many directions. So perhaps the question is, really, how can we possibly escape the influence of all the world?

[Bruce Silverstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating fictional retelling of the life of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacajawea and a French trader. He was raised as a foster son by William Clark, of Lewis & Clark fame. Charbonneau was highly intelligent, literate, spoke multiple languages, and was musically inclined, but of course he could not escape from being tarred as a "half-breed," and thus as less of a man. Most of the Europeans could not hold a candle to his many achievements. I enjoyed the depiction of the wide open, optimistic America of the early 19th century. It was surprising to read how multicultural the society of the time actually was, with Europeans, Indians, black slaves, and many other ethnic groups all mingling, though certainly not always peacefully. The book does drag at times, but it is full of good insights into history and culture, and has a good number of laugh out loud funny scenes, as well as some heartbreakingly sad chapters as well. A number of famous historical figures make cameo appearances in this enjoyable read about a little-known American historical figure.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 really. Amazing book. We never really know anyone we meet, wouldn't you say? Not a 5 for me as the history actually recorded about Sacagawea and her son Jean Baptiste and daughter Lisette doesn't seem as dark as that portrayed in this book. Was Toussaint Charbonneau the monster he appears in Sargent's book? And what about Clark? History records that Clark thought of and treated Native Americans as fully human- nothing recorded in history suggests the inhumaine treatment of Sacagawea and her son that this book suggests. And he did send Baptiste to Europe to be educated. We have no proof that he was treated as depicted in Sargent's book. Museum of Human Beings is a dark treatment which may say more about the author than the facts. But very well done.

[Bonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel about the son of Sacagawea, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, was dissapointing. I found the narration disjointed and hard to follow. A couple of times I had to turn back the pages to re-read thinking I missed something. It was a little like reading a bad dream, the way it skipped around at times. Some parts were a little too graphic and violent for my taste. Particularly Jean-Baptiste's mistreatment at the hands of Duke Paul. I found myself wondering what was fact and what was fiction. I wouldn't recommend this book. However,Jean-Baptiste is interesting enough to me that I think I'll look for a non fictional account of his life. Something not based on conjecture.

[Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical novel. The main character is Jean Baptiste Charbonneau -the son of Sacagawea. Sacagawea carried her infant son on her back as she lead the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific. He was later raised as the foster son of Clark. He was a child caught between two worlds. As a teenager he attracts the attention of a German Duke and with Clark's approval, Baptiste travels to Europe to be educated at court.Eventually he turns back to the New World determined to find he true place in the American wilderness and into the depth of his mother's soul.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fictionalized biography of Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, the infant son carried by Sacagawea on her journey with Lewis & Clark. He was sort of adopted by Captain Clark, but never fully accepted as part of the family. He was given a good education, but never really fit in anywhere he went. He was displayed as a "educated savage" in Europe, worked as a fur trapper in the West, and eventually ended up as a laborer in California.

It's a sad story which reflects poorly on the treatment of Native Americans by the white man.

[Pmalcpoet Pat Malcolm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read this book, but was sorely disappointed. Colin Sargent has given us a fiction account of the life of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of Sacagawea, that reads like the driest of histories. The information is interesting, but the spark of storytelling is sadly absent. Sargent is unable, in this book, to breathe life into his characters, or to make us care very much what happens to them.

[Candis Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I wanted to finish this book. I'm glad I did. Another peek into American history in a somewhat similar way as Octavian Nothing helped by look at the American Revolution. The Museum of Human Beings had me look at the narcissistic nature of man during the days of Sacagawea and colonial expansion. Might be that some things never change. I was also pleasantly surprised that Colin Sargent is a Maine author.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a big disappointment. I decided it was a wallbanger after only 42 pages. The historical element was interesting. It is a fictional account of the life of Batiste, the son of the Native American woman, Sacagawea.

The author's writing style bothered me. The writing seemed choppy and there was too much "telling" and not enough "showing."