( 5 reviews )
-
( 2 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Nov 25 2002
I enjoy the Hillerman novels, so I bought this one. A few pages in I remembered that I'd read one of the earlier ones and quit in disgust. Well, several books on, Mr. and Mrs. Thurlo still haven't learned to write adequate fiction.The dialog is wooden and unconvincing--especially between the heroine, Ella Clah, and her brother, Clifford, who is a Navajo healer. The plotting seems to be straight from the Plot-O-MaticCharacterization is equally weak, especially for the set-piece bad guys, Navajo witches or skinwalkers. On the other hand, I didn't have a clear sense of Ella's character either...
-
( 0 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 10 2002
I enjoy the Hillerman novels, so I bought this one. A few pages in I remembered that I'd read one of the earlier ones and quit in disgust. Well, several books on, Mr. and Mrs. Thurlo still haven't learned to write adequate fiction.The dialog is wooden and unconvincing--especially between the heroine, Ella Clah, and her brother, Clifford, who is a Navajo healer. The plotting seems to be straight from the Plot-O-MaticCharacterization is equally weak, especially for the set-piece bad guys, Navajo witches or skinwalkers. On the other hand, I didn't have a clear sense of Ella's character either...
-
( 6 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Nov 6 2000
I am prompted to write this review in rebuttal to the person in Colorado that reviewed this book, giving it one star. I can not believe that we read the same book. I live in New Mexico and feel the Thurlo's discriptions of New Mexico and the Navajo way of life are researced well and portray things as they really are. I doubt that the person in Colorado has ever been out of the "big city" and even been on a Reservation let alone know what it is like in New Mexico. The Thurlo's have an exciting read with this book and you will find yourself unable to put this book down. I find I prefer the Thurlo's writing to Hillerman as I love reading from a female prespective. It is nice to see equality. You should definately read this book to get a true picture of our lovely state and it's Navajo people.
