- ASIN: B09H3QV1XN
- Publisher: Chas Novels (9 Oct. 2021)
- Language: English
- Print length: 375 pages
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Genre: Black & Native American Indians Historical Fiction
The BookViral Review:
A rich and deeply moving depiction of life in a bygone age where prejudices ran deep, Standing Against The Wind is the second novel in Abston’s “A Dying Truth Exposed” series which follows the life of runaway slave Annabelle.
In book one in the series, “Bloodlines” Abston’s narrative unfolded against a background of strict slave laws that drove a social wedge between enslaved blacks and white Americans. A theme he continues to explore in Standing Against The Wind whilst expanding it to include Native American Indians. This unfolding during a period when they still rendered justice within their own society through tribal councils and responsibility for working with Native communities came under the control of the US War Department.
Meticulously researched and rousingly told, Standing Against The Wind is first and foremost entertaining with confident pacing and compelling characters, but it also proves an intriguing and enlightening foray into a tumultuous and pivotal period in Black and Native American Indian history.
With Abston’s broad and adventurous narrative it’s clear from the start that he has an innate talent for storytelling with character portraits that are quite simply captivating with his particular blend of the ersatz and fact creating an unflinching sense of authenticity. Furthermore, fans will be pleased to find that Ruthanne, Elizabeth and Marilyn have not been forgotten as a host of new and memorable characters are introduced.
Underpinned by persuasive prose, there’s undeniable passion in his narrative. Quickly dispelling any idyllic notions to create a profound meditation on family, friendship and cultural identity as he draws on literary and cinematic western traditions to deliver a read that’s not only fresh but most importantly authentic.
Historical fiction at its very best, Standing Against The Wind makes for another superb release from Marcus Abston and is recommended without reservation.
