“Red Clay, Running Waters” by Leslie K. Simmons

Red Clay, Running Waters

Leslie K. Simmons
Koehler Books (2023)
ISBN: 979-8888241714
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views (04/2024)

With a touch of poetic grace, author Leslie K. Simmons introduces us to her engrossing novel, “Red Clay, Running Waters” with embers from a little-known story in Native American history. The tale follows John Ridge, the son of a Cherokee Indian chief, who, after finishing his Western education at a Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, Connecticut, returns to his people with a burning desire. Accompanied by his newly wedded caucasian wife, Sarah Northrop, Ridge is determined to defend the dignity and rights of his people. His dream is to achieve autonomy for his people and possibly reserve their right to remain a free nation.

Now the chief of his tribe, Ridge becomes aware of the ongoing dissension and conflicts between Native Americans and the white settlers culminating in several treaty talks.  One such treaty was the Treaty of New Echota, which had unprecedented ramifications for the Cherokee tribe. An overwhelming majority of Cherokee people renounced this move, which ultimately led to Ridge and his family paying the ultimate price.

Prior knowledge of American history is not needed before reading this beautiful work of historical fiction. The narrative shifts from Ridge’s romance with Sarah who faced serious disapproval, to his actions as a tribal chief upon returning to Georgia. Through years of historical research and study, the author presents us with a panoramic view of the series of events. Some of these include the conflicts in the western US states between the Native Indians and American settlers, the Trail of Tears as the Natives were forced off their ancestral land, and the Antebellum Era.

Simmons’ knack for storytelling adds insight and empathy to the narrative. This allows us to experience these unique events right from our homes as well as the emotional truths of her characters, a worthy feat that a conventional historical account would find difficult to accomplish.

As an avid reader of historical fiction, I am confident “Red Clay, Running Waters” will be a welcome escape from everyday life for fans of this genre, just as it was for me. The language is colorful, befitting the period that the plot is set in, and the prose is crisp, with real people who cleverly represent historical characters. The drama is ample with sizeable bits of historical facts that do not override the main story the writer intends to share with her readers. The result is a five-star novel that succeeds in bringing history back to life by showcasing some of the events that shaped modern-day America. Leslie K. Simmons is definitely an author to watch.