The healing of Natalie Curtis

Jane Kirkpatrick, 1946-

Book - 2021

"Musician Natalie Curtis is broken by strict training and a lost love. After encountering Native American music, she is determined to save these ancient songs which are being silenced by the government. In doing so, Natalie steps inside the space between the notes to discover something she'd forgotten-music powerful enough to heal. Based on a true story"--

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Subjects
Genres
Historical fiction
Biographical fiction
Published
Grand Rapids, Michigan : Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group [2021]
Language
English
Main Author
Jane Kirkpatrick, 1946- (author)
Item Description
Includes book group questions (pages 343-345).
Includes an excerpt from the author's This road we traveled (pages 351-360).
Physical Description
360 pages ; 22 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN
9780800736132
9780800740535
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

After suffering performance paralysis just before the biggest concert appearance of her career, musical prodigy Natalie Curtis is adrift in physical malady and depression without music to anchor her. But her life begins to change when preparations for a trip west expose her to the 1883 Code of Indian Offenses, a set of culturally repressive laws that forced Indigenous communities to assimilate, including the silencing of their songs. Outraged at the injustices still practiced in 1902, Natalie is determined to channel her former passion and sense of purpose to try to help save the haunting and healing music of Native Americans. In another biographical novel based on a real-life woman, following Something Worth Doing (2020), Kirkpatrick presents a character study inspired by the work of ethnomusicologist Natalie Curtis. Reaching from New York to the American Southwest, this tale focuses on resiliency and includes interlude chapters offering Native American perspectives on Natalie's work and influence. Kirkpatrick's reflective and informative novel inspires readers to consider their own motives and choices and the sometimes unintended consequences of the help they give.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Kirkpatrick (Something Worth Doing) returns with another enthralling work of historical fiction inspired by real events. In the early 20th century, 26-year-old musical prodigy Natalie Curtis has become sickly and is unable to perform. Broken by an unrequited love and the social constraints placed on women, she languishes at her parents' home in New York. Upon returning home from working at a cattle ranch in Arizona, Natalie's brother convinces her that the Southwestern climate may help her recover her strength--and perhaps her voice. But it's the songs of Native Americans that enrapture Natalie once she arrives out west. She soon discovers those songs are outlawed by the government's Code of Offenses. Government rations are reduced for violators, with the goal of Americanizing the Native Americans by disassociating them from their cultures. Natalie makes it her mission to preserve their songs and, in doing so, their heritage. To that end, she petitions President Theodore Roosevelt, a family friend, to sanction her work. Kirkpatrick's portrayal of Natalie's fight for equality and cultural preservation will resonate with readers. Those who enjoy the work of Francine Rivers should take a look. (Sept.)

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