Charbonneau: Man of Two Dreams

by Win Blevins

Book Overview

As the son of the fur trapper and the Shoshone woman, Sacajawea, who were guides for the Lewis and Clark expedition, Charbonneau was a man divided between worlds. As a result, his life took a series... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0915463164
• ISBN13: 9780915463169
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Jameson Books (IL)
• Length: 215 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Engaging Fur Trade Novel

Blevins brings to light the somewhat obscure life of Sacajawea's son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, and weaves it into an enjoyable and meaningful novel. Charbonneau was half Indian and half white, which explains his dilemma of being torn between two worlds. Taken into custody by William Clark, Charbonneau begins his early education in both Protestant and Catholic schools in St. Louis, goes to Europe with Prince Paul of Wurttemberg for six years to continue his education and culture, comes back to St. Louis and then enters the fur trade. As the years go by, we see how he attempts to balance himself between the Indian and white man's world. Blevins' writing is very descriptive in detail, particulars and trivia of the present moment. It is as though he himself was there and lived it. I do not normally read fiction based on fact, but this is an exception to the rule.

Excellent Fur Trade Era Novel

This book is a fictional biography of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau. Very little is known of Jean Baptiste but Blevins imaginatively builds his novel around the small historical record. His characterization is plausible and enjoyable to read. It contains many vignettes that relate to events in the Fur Trade Era so interest is maintained. It is remarkable that Blevins was able to capture many insights into what it is like to be a half-breed. My Mother was Pawnee and my Dad was of Scottish extraction. I can vouch for some of the more contemplative passages in the novel that express Jean Baptiste's feelings regarding his special social status. For buckskinners, this is an important piece of literature that helps to fully express the society of the fur trade. For everyone else, it is just a good read.