Sacajawea; the Story of Bird Woman and the Lewis & Clark Expedition

SACAJAWEA; THE STORY OF BIRD WOMAN AND THE LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION. Joseph Bruchac. 2003. Read by Nicole Littrell & Michael Rafkin. 5 cds. 6.5 hrs. Audio Bookshelf. 1-883332-94-x. $44.95. Vinyl; plot notes. JS

Listening to the familiar story of how Sacajawea guided Lewis and Clark is a delight. It is told primarily by Sacajawea talking to her child, Pomp, also called Firstborn Son, and by Pomp himself. Journal entries, mostly by Clark, are included, as are likely conversations--all read sensitively and without romanticism. Out country is currently celebrating the Lewis and Clark bicentennial. Their exploration, ordered by President Jefferson, extended from the Ohio River, up the Missouri River and on to the West Coast via the Columbia River. We sense--hear--the wonder, the hardship, and the humanity as the explorers encounter traders and spend time with Indian tribes. Bruchac provides an Author's Note as to his sources and the inevitable mix of fact/fiction in a work such as this. Vivian Berg, Mandan, ND

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group