Echo of Lions

To be brief; I read this book when it first came out in hardback. I found the story to be both compelling and inspiring. This book reinforced my sense that the curriculum setting process in american public education is so narrowly focused as to create cohort after cohort of ill informed and historically ignorant citizens. Stories such as this would inspire our children to take an interest in history and to provide a framework for them to understand the political, economic and social ties that make this country what it is. Context is everything. This book is all about context. After reading this marvelous story as told by an exceptionally talented story teller I went on to read every one of her books. I cherish my copy of this book and wish that it had received wider circulation.

This exceptional book should be required reading in all high-school history classes. Chase-Riboud gives a historical-fiction account of the slave trade and tells the story of one group of individuals who beat incredible odds and changed the course of American history. Its descriptions of the conditions in the slave ships will horrify you, then make you incredibly angry - not only at what people suffered, but that the truth is hidden from us by school districts and historians everywhere. I feel much more educated about American history after reading this book, and I have a great deal of respect for President John Quincy Adams. I agree with another commenter: the fact that this book is out of print is a blemish on our society.

Echo of Lions was given to me as a gift several years ago by an acquaintance who was aware of my great interest in American history. It was my introduction to the Amistad affair. And what a wonderful intro it was! Echo of Lions is very tightly written, the fictionalized portions are very believable (as good historical fiction should be), and it moved me to become interested in this particular historical event (as good historical fiction should do).

The fact that this book is out of print is a blemish on American society. This book is an unbelievable read about a tragic stage in American history. Reading it enlightens us to the truth of America's poor treatment of Africans who were stolen from their homes and families. It is an eye-opener with passages about the treatment of these slaves that is shocking. Regardless of race or religion, this should be mandatory reading for all Americans as a reminder of the history of backgrounds that made the foundation of this country.