Drums Along the Mohawk

Nearly 80 years old, this classic is still enjoyable. I didn't feel it was dated but fot the heavy dialect of the black servant and the Tonto-like laconic talk of the Indian scout, Blue Back. It's the story of a farmer and his wife and their community in the Mohawk Valley in upstate New York in the 18th century. We experience the hardscrabble life of these characters and a feel for the American Revolution as fought in this area, along with Indian attacks and destruction. Very readable, I read it in a short time. The main characters and their friends were well-rounded, but any "famous names", e.g., Benedict Arnold before his defection were just that--names. Nicholas Herkimer did come alive though. Mrs. McKlennar, the feisty old woman who show more befriends Gil and Lana after their farm is burned down, is unforgettable. The New York Times called her an "Amazon." This novel is a "must-read" for anyone wanting to get more of an understanding of the American Revolution, especially in Upper New York State, considered the frontier at that time. Very good portrayals of Oriskany, the Cherry Valley Massacre, Andrustown. show less

A pair of newlyweds head out to the New York wilderness to start a new life together, but with the Revolutionary War comes trouble and hardship. Plus, Indians.

Yeah, not my cuppa, I suppose. Just not...interesting enough? Which is too bad because it really could have been.

Have read this book three times over my life. One of the first books I ever read. Reread it in college (for fun) and once again about five years ago. Have enjoyed it every single time. Great historical story set in the Utica/Herkimer area of New York during the American Revolution.

An account of a well-known time in a little-known area: the Mohawk valley near Schenectady during the Revolutionary War. Balancing acts of war and wilderness, Edmonds successfully re-creates conditions and incredible feats of human determination. You will be surprised that many of the exploits narrated in the book actually happened. An enjoyable introduction by Gabaldon and a forward by the author complement the story well.

closely researched historical novel of the Revolutionary War on the New York frontier—no wonder the settlers hated the Indians

I loved this novel when I read it as a child in the 1950's and I loved it again. True to events of history.

Great historical fiction.