The Last of the Mohicans

 Let me begin by saying that we all loved reading James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans.  Not only was it enjoyable and at times a page turner, but we all found it inspiring in our own ways.  Ed, ever the historian proudly pointed out the two framed maps in the entrance to the kitchen which displayed on the one side, the French version of early United States and on the other, the British version.  Ed, having grown up on the Hudson explained where Fort William Henry and Fort Edwards were located and where many parts of the novel were set along our present Northway!  All this with Louise in the backdrop cooking up a feast of crab cakes, roast beef and vegetables which she referred to as cod cakes and venison.

Tim was able to explain all the in's and out's of the many Indian tribes referred to in the novel with some poetic license. In fact, he researched that there are actual Mohicans alive today and that James Fenimore Cooper merged two different tribes together in his writing about the Mohicans-who can blame him for a little poetic license in 1820?

Mindy began our discussion by reading a quote from the end of the novel: "It is enough," he [Tamenund] said.  "Go children of the Lenape, the anger of the the Manitou is not done.  Why should Tamenund stay?  the pale faces are the masters of the earth and the time of the redmen has not yet come again.  My day has been too long.  In the morning I saw the sons of the Unamis happy and strong; and yet, before the night has come, have I lived to see the last warrior of the wise race of the Mohicans.  She pointed out how interesting it was that James Fenimore would make a statement of such strength and controversy in 1823 when the sentiments against the Native Americans was still strong.  And I was impressed with James Fenimore Coopers daring reference to a possible romance between a British Woman and a Mohican.

Terry referenced how interesting it was to remember and think about the French Indian war and enlightened us on the connection with the seven years war in Europe and the battle to prevent Frederick the Great from total domination.  And consequently how Great Britain won the colonies at such a cost that they were forced to impose large taxes to make up the debt which of course led to the Revolutionary war.  This discussion was such a great history and economic lesson all wrapped up and topped with the best lemon pudding and fresh fruit cake created by Louise!

For next month, we only  had a short reading period and so we read through another book club's blog and chose a short novel, The Return of the Solder by Rebecca West.  We will meet at Cindy's house on March 13th at 7 PM.