Until I Have No Country: A Novel of King Philip's War in New England

This is a very good read. It is a fictionalized account of many of the true events that occurred in King Philip's War. King Philip (Metacom) was the son of Massasoit who was helpful to the first settlers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (the Pilgrims). Several incidents occurred to lead Philip to decide that his tribe had to get rid of the Settlers once and for all and get their country back unencumbered. Several events precipitated his decision to attack which aren't thoroughly covered here, but this is Historical Fiction and the author focused on the story he wanted to tell and he did it well. At first I was not sure about the very spare writing style. You know how some authors lose you with how over the top the writing style is? Well there is no fear of that here. There is a magical simplicity to the style. It almost seemed directed to children at first, but later it was clear anyone in any age would enjoy this story. The quote that lead to the Title is weird to me. "I am determined not to live until I have no country". These words were spoken by Metacom (King Philip) to Roger Williams. I guess they have some strength but all I can see is a double negative that might more easily say..."I will live when I have my land (without any of you newcomers on it). Since it was English as a second language, maybe I should be less of a nitpicker. Well I really enjoyed the book and It was well written and a quick read. I applaud the author for directing his tale very effectively.

This is a fantastic book! Great story! Accurate historical facts! Well written. Enjoyed it very much!!!

This is a well written historical novel and the facts are woven into the story along with actual characters of the Massachusetts Bay Colony era. Great book for female or male readers who like history.The novel shows the feelings of the settlers as well as the Indians of King Phillip's War 1675-1676.......both sides loved and lost family members and friends. The tension is constant and the book is "too soon finished".

A Historical novel with the emphasis on history. Mike Tougias brings to life our first great Indian war by following the actions of two protagonists: One is "King Philip's" most trusted warrior and friend, the other a colonist from outlying Medfield, Mass. The scene is 50 years after Massasoit welcomed the Pilgrims to Plymouth, when his son Metacom (known to the colonists as Philip) instigates a last ditch war to oust the English colonists. The novel is adept at illuminating the way of life of the Wompanoags and other Algonquin tribes of Southern New England, and illustrates the difficulty of the task they felt compelled to undertake. Historical accuracy is Tougias' watchword, but he still manages to turn out a fast-paced compelling story. Although the author is more naturalist than novelist, it is hard to tell here as the characters, especially the Wompanoag ones, gain a depth throughout the story.Mass. readers will get a lot of local color out of it - such as the events that led to the naming of Turner's Falls, but all readers will get a gripping story of a war whose basic themes would be repeated over and over for the next 200 years.