Only the Wind Remembers

by Marlo Schalesky

Book Overview

Only the Wind Remembers is based on the true story of Ishi, the last surviving Yahi Indian, who emerged alone from the California wilderness in 1911 and was thrust into the bewildering world of San... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802433243
• ISBN13: 9780802433244
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Length: 376 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Touching & riveting even for non-historical fiction types :)

First let me say that I'm not usually a big historical fiction fan, but Marlo Schalesky's beautifully written and compelling 'Only the Wind Remembers' had me hooked from the first page. I finished it in the tub last night & finally went to bed rather prune-like I'm afraid :) but I HAD to know what happened to Ishi & Allison & Thomas, etc. I remember vague snippets of knowledge of Ishi as a kid, but this excellent novel beautifully filled in the blanks of this fascinating last member of his people. I won't repeat the plot since other reviewers on this page have already done so, but suffice it to say, this book is a must-read. I LOVED it and I must confess I don't read a lot of historical fiction--I'm more of a contemporary girl. So just imagine for those of you who devour the historic stuff how much you'll love it. Highly recommended!

A captivating tale.

In the early 1900's the last surviving member of the Yahi tribe walked out of the woods into a town in California. All the other members of his tribe had either been killed or died, he was the only one left speaking his language. Yashi, as he was called, was taken under the wings of a small anthropological museum where he alternately was treated as a human being and as a living exhibit. In Only the Wind Remembers, Marlo Schalesky takes this rather sad and unusual history and creates a poignant and uplifting fictional story. She describes the loss of connection between well-meaning people when they feel forced to live their lives according to rather restrictive rules of the late 1900's. In the end they are brought to the realization that through Jesus' sacrifice, God provides a richness of forgiveness and acceptance that can be life changing.Although the characters are ensnared in rather sad situations, this is a gentle and soothing account. It is easy to become caught up with the stories of each individual and you will want to keep reading to find out what will happen to them. The image of the Ishi playing songs on his flute in the museum that no one else in the world will ever hear again is one that will linger with you a long time after the book is over.

A compelling tale that will refresh your spirit

ONLY THE WIND REMEMBERS tells the story of the last Yahi Indian who emerged in 1911 from an isolated existence in the woods into the civilised world for the first time. A young anthropologist, Thomas Morgan, and his troubled curator wife, Allison, take the Indian into their care, bestowing him with the name "Ishi", which is Yahi for "man". Despite the rigid boundaries of propriety, Allison is drawn to Ishi, and with Thomas's help she secures time spent with him. Ishi begins to teach Allison his language, and along the way tells her an age-old story that his people have passed on for generations. Seeing Ishi's determination to tell the fable, Allison listens to the story, slowing coming to identify with her own struggles as she does so. But before Ishi's tale is completely told, and Allison's questions answered, circumstances take a turn that begin to jeopardise their very lives. Will Ishi's burning desire to tell the ancient tale be fulfilled before it's too late? And will Allison have a chance to discover the truth about her own existence? Weaving historical facts with fictional detail, Marlo Schalesky brings to life a story that recounts the wonder of redemption and new life. ~~Ellie Schroder, owner of The Christian Fiction Site

Compelling,sensitive story

Because I've taught Theodora Kroeber's original Ishi book to ninth graders, I was especially interested in Marlo Schalesky's fictional account of the last Yahi Indian. I was delighted to find a sensitive story of a young woman's struggle to find her place in a man's world of anthropology, to feel secure in her husband's love, and to find acceptance of self through the Savior's love. I also found myself entranced with the Ishi character, as I had with Kroeber's work many years ago. I could not put this delightful read down.

Only the Wind Remembers--a must read

An amazing story of one so-called uncivilized Indian and his influence on the lives of those who took him into their hearts and lives. The story is based on the true-life experiences of Ishi (man)-the sole survivor of the Yahi people.Several years prior to WW1, Wanasi stumbled into the corral of a cattle slaughtering company in northern California and into the white man's modern civilization. Starving,covered only with a long shirt, expecting to die, Wanasi yearned with his whole heart to be with other people--even the Saldu( white men). Living on whatever nature provided,hiding always, without comfort of hot food, warm clothes, shelter, always in fear, Wanasi now faced whatever lay ahead. Would it be death?Anthropologist Dr. Thomas Morgan becomes Wanasi's protector and teacer. But who is truly the teacher? Wanasi learns to live in San Francsco at the museum. He meets Pop, Mrs. Thomas Morgan, Dr. Kroeber and Willie. As Wanasi learns a little of the Saldu's custom's, their lives mesh in mysterious ways. How does Wanasi know the loneliness and fears in Allison Morgan's heart? Why does Wanasi need to tell Allison Morgan the story of the great Eagle? Only the Wind Remembers is an unforgettable story of hope, love and a few dreams fulfilled. It is a story of one "uncivilized" man caring about people and showing God's love to those around him.