Red Willow's Quest

The world of the Plains Indians has always been a powerful draw for me. When the movie Dances with Wolves came out, I went to see it three times. So, when I found out Heidi Skarie's book, Red Willow's Quest, was set in the early 1800's in the Rocky Mountains I was eager to visit that world again. Red Willow's Quest is the story of a young Shoshoni woman beginning her spiritual journey to become a medicine woman. The descriptive narration reads much like the passages of her diary giving the reader an intimate look inside Red willow's mind, heart, and soul. Red willow struggles to step free of the confining boundaries society had, and still does, set for a woman. Everything, including the rugged landscape becomes an obstacle, attempting to stop her from achieving her goal. Red Willow's greatest obstacle, however, was her awakening feelings of love for a Koottenai warrior. That love interfered with the path she thought her life should take. Thank you, Heidi, for a chance to go back to that time and learn about a heroine whose spiritual culture graced every facet of life.

What is a lyrical adventure? One that captures the feelings, the tension, the imagery, the pace, the challenge, the passion, the splendor, the quest for survival in days gone by, and makes the reader feel that they are right there in the moment with the characters. The saga of a lovely indian maiden maturing into the role of medicine woman of her tribe is fascinating. My great grandmother was of the Cherokee tribe. She served her people similarly with her knowledge of plants, herbs, and natures healing secrets. Someday I will write her story. But for now I savor Ms. Skarie's representation of life in the early 1800's. She mentions in her foreword someone experiencing a past life as a Native American woman. Maybe Shirley MacClaine is on to something! Past lives? Dreams? Reincarnation? Is it possible that we have all lived before? If so that would mean we are all on a great spiritual or mystical adventure. But, back to this book. Accompanied by her dog, Wind-Chaser and a warrior, Red Willow triumphs over opposition, adversity and danger. Life then was alternately harsh, cruel and beautiful. The book attempts to accurately portray the past, using the language and biting terms of that era. Some passages are painfully honest, but that was 1800. Compare it to today's society, and see how far we have come in our efforts as a nation, as people, as individuals who respect and do not intentionally harm each other. Poignant and well-written.

This book offers a vivid glimpse into history and deep insights into life that are relevant today. The author does not flinch at the violence and rigors of the old west, yet the book is uplifting throughout thanks to Red Willow's ability to rise to her higher purpose. She is a strong heroine with a golden heart. It's refreshing to find a book in which mysticism is more than just a prop and love is more than just a feeling. A good read.

Wonderful book I couldn't put it down until I finished. It really made me understand whats really important in life..........Thank you

Red Willow's Quest took me on a captivating journey into the not-so-distant past of the American Plains Indians. It is billed as an action, romance, adventure about a Shoshoni maiden, who sets out into the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains in quest of guiding visions to become a medicine woman. Yet, I found it to be much more, an inspiring work compelling the reader to partake of life's opportunities (by questing for a deeper vision and guidance) to live life to the fullest. The spiritual adventure the author has created or perhaps remembered is an authentically detailed story transporting the reader into the daily lives of the Shoshoni Indians, around 1807. Besides being captivating, and uplifting, I find this book an inspiration for anyone seeking a "happier tomorrow" by following their inner guidance and discovering their special purpose in life. Red Willow's Quest taught me that there is a guiding, loving hand behind all life. But read it for the entertainment, all the rest is just a bonus!