The healing of Natalie Curtis

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.

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.)