“A cracking good yarn . . . sheer storytelling power . . . James Alexander Thom is one of the finest historical novelists writing today. . . . Anyone who thinks there’s nothing left to be said about the Lewis and Clark expedition should read this book.”—John Sugden, author of Tecumseh: A Life Following the Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson sends Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore … William Clark to explore the newly acquired territory. To survive, the two captains need an extraordinary hunter who will be able to provide the expedition with fresh game, and a sign-talker to communicate with the native tribes. They choose George Drouillard. It is Drouillard, an actual historical figure, who becomes our eyes and ears on this unforgettable odyssey.
A magnificent tale told with intelligence and insight, Sign-Talker is full of song and suffering, humor and pathos. James Alexander Thom has created the rarest reading experience: one that entertains us even as it shows us a new vision of our nation, our past, and ourselves.
“Excellent . . . It is at once an adventure story [and] a historical document. . . . Even though many readers know the story of Lewis and Clark, Thom’s novel will give them new insight.”—The Indianapolis Star (four-star review)
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I love history, and had just returned from a vacation in Idaho, were I visited the Sacajawea memorial village. It was a very interesting book.
An interesting and different take on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Thom introduced a guide and hunter, George Droulliard, who has had little recognition for his contribution to the monumental undertaking of crossing the country in the early 1800’s. These were a bunch of tough men and Sacajawea, of course, an amazing bunch of explorers facing so …
This is a great read about about Lewis and Clark’s expedition. If you are into historical literature, you won’t want to miss this one.
Most underrated member of Lewis and Clark Expedition by one of the greatest historical authors
Interesting historical.
A different perspective on the Lewis and Clark expedition.
A great read. Carried me chapter to chapter and ended leaving me wishing for more! I will follow this author!
I really enjoyed this book from cover to cover.
Filled with good info on the Lewis&Clark ‘s experiences, & I loved the Indian sign-talker.
Good interesting read with interesting characters and lots of geographical info across our country.
I am sure this was not my first Lewis and Clark book. I can not remember how long ago that was. Not important it was a fast moving story. Good job.
Rudy Ruiz
The idea of retelling the experiences of the Corps of Discovery from the viewpoint of someone half Anglo, half Indian was enlightening. History now tells us the prejudices felt and atrocities carried out by the “white men” with their notions of moral, intellectual, and physical superiority. In truth, many were far more savage than the “savages” …
This deserved 4.5 stars. Good book.
This book was a great book. I’ve read another by the same the author. Well written and informative. Great story
Very original n close the actual events..good read for sure
You can learn a lot of lesser known history about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Their #3 man, who communicates well with other Indians, is a talented hunter and a motivated worker is an interesting character. It’s a good historical book and I learned a lot.
A real story and you get in right away. It feels like a real story, good plot with Native-American character and so interesting. I love this author and I’ve read 5 books of Thom!
Excellent! True to the history documented in the journals of Lewis, Clark and several of the journeymen on the exploration into the Northwest territory in 1803. Revelatory in detail of that period of our history. Wonderful revelation of a small part of our Native American Culture and of the immigrant explorers.
A great primer on the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This incredible effort is easily understood in this book. The book also details the numerous Native American tribes that The Expedition encountered, wonderful reading.
The Lewis and Clark story from a different perspective
I learned a lot about Lewis and Clark and their expedition. There were many quotes from their Journals. History it is about time we need to understand.
Lynn Evans