Rated of 5
by Constance S. (Sacramento, CA) Exquisite prose
Clare Clark's prose is exquisite in this very intricately woven tale of life in the early 1700's Louisiana Territory when France began its settlement among the Chikasaw and Choctaw Indians.The three main characters, Elisabeth,Jean Claude and Auguste are very human with their virtues and frailties.The love scenes are sensuous but muted. The descriptions of primitive living by the settlers puts us there with them thanks to the research and skillful writing of the author, who, by the way lightens the pages with sprinkles of humor.
This historical fiction brings to mind Cold Mountain and Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier. Savage Lands is a totally satisfying read for lovers of good literature.
Rated of 5
by Mary D. (Watertown, NY) Then
I love learning about little known areas of America's past. And there's no more enjoyable way to do this than through the eyes of a good author. Here, Clare Clark has brought to life a slice of Louisiana's story you probably won't read in many history texts. You'll see, smell and feel the country as it was. It's a story rich with emotions that will have you wishing to comfort some characters and give others the boot. All things considered, it was a satisfying read that will have me seeking other books by Clark.
Rated of 5
by Anne G. (Austin, TX) Savage Lands
An interesting depiction of the early days of Louisiana, this book delivered little known facts of history and an interesting story. The story was related by an omniscient narrator and thus seemed somewhat distant and ethereal while at the same time giving the reader intimate knowledge of the characters’ fears, pain, sorrow, and grief.
Prior to reading this book I was unaware of the 'casket girls' and the role they played in the population and development of Louisiana. It is hard to imagine the thought of a young girl heading to America with the intent to sell herself to a husband in the New World.
The information about the Native American tribes was also interesting but not well integrated into the story with the exception of the characters Okatomih/Jeanne and little Marguerite, by far my favorite character in the story.
I think this book provides plenty of topics for a good book club discussion and I'm now intrigued to read more by this author.
Rated of 5
by Brenda D. (Lincoln, CA) Savage Lands
Clare Cook's novel, Savage Lands, depicts a time and setting that is certainly aptly titled. She brings a fascinating picture of a part of U.S. history that is probably little known to most of us outside of the Louisiana area. During the early 1700's, it was a very primitive area and life was incredibly difficult for everyone, especially the women. The main character of the story, a "casket girl," was treated as a commodity, much like the food, supplies, and wine that were furnished by the French government to the male settlers. It is a story of passionate, unexpected love, intense friendship, betrayal, and ultimately survival.
However, I didn't particularly like the style of writing. To me, there were too many descriptive sentences. "The white moon was bandaged in gauzy cloud." This is an example of the style throughout the book, and I found it very distracting.
That being said, I think there are many areas within the story that will provide good discussion material for book groups.
Rated of 5
by Shirley S. (Batavia, IL) Savage Lands
A vividly detailed historic perspective and beautifully written saga of early Louisiana. Though the story is predictable, the characters come alive through the enjoyable writing style. The intensely personal description of not only the people but the time and place make reading the detailed history a pleasure rather than a lesson. Clark is dispassionate about the history revealing what happen to the territory, the natives and the settlers with equal voice.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
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Kenn Nesbitt is new Children's Poet Laureate(Jun 12 2013) Kenn Nesbitt has been named the new Children's Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children's Poetry to the Poetry Foundation, which noted that the two-year position...
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of 5
by Constance S. (Sacramento, CA) 
of 5
by Mary D. (Watertown, NY) 
of 5
by Brenda D. (Lincoln, CA) 
