The Banker and the Blackfoot is a fascinating and thoroughly researched account of a family history by Halfmoon Bay author J. Edward Chamberlin. It’s the story of his grandfather, John Cowdry (aka Sorreltop Jack), and of Cowdry’s esteemed friend, Crop Eared Wolf, a Blackfoot man, and it is told in clear, strong prose. It’s described as a memoir, using stories learned from Chamberlin’s mother and cousin, but it could be better termed creative non-fiction. That’s because Cowdry rode into Alberta in the year 1885 and his conversations with the many Blackfoot First Nations that he met can only be imagined at this later date.
Fort Macleod, south of Calgary, was a growing town though without services except for a rootin’ tootin’ hotel. The nearest bank was 300 miles away in Montana making it difficult for ranchers to cash a cheque, so Cowdry and brother Nat, with little training, started a grass roots bank, which they operated for the next 20 years. Along the way Cowdry came to know the many characters who settled there and the author tells their stories. Fort Macleod housed a North-West Mounted Police barracks in those days – they were the muscle behind eliminating the notorious whisky trading post at Fort Whoop-Up. But the most interesting stories are the ones that offer insight into the lives of the Blackfoot, particularly the Blood tribe.
“One of my hopes is that my book will nourish much more by way of Blackfoot history, told in traditional ways,” Chamberlin said. “What I have tried to do is tell the settler story interwoven with the Blackfoot story, just as their lives were often interwoven through family and – most importantly for this book – through friendships. For me, trust and friendship and keeping your word are at the heart of the book and are the basis for the reconciliation we are all seeking.” Promises were made, treaties were broken – in his final chapter, Chamberlin brings the reader up to the present with regard to Canada’s relationship with Aboriginal peoples.
Chamberlin’s hard cover book (Knopf Canada) is comprehensively referenced and includes archival photos. It’s at Talewind Books for $34.95.
*****
Game of Thrones meets the Ninjas in an engaging fantasy novel, Escape From Rindorn by Bart Eriksson. The likeable main character, Jonathan, discovers his mysterious heritage only when he lands in jail for hanging the mayor’s trousers on a prominent statue. He’s a prankster, but these antics are frowned on in the city of Rindorn. After escaping execution, Jonathan sets off on a Frodo-the-hobbit-style quest without a clear idea of his future and surrounded by his stout-hearted friends, including knights of the land. They face hardship and must prove themselves in battle, but they also find friendship and wisdom. Eriksson keeps the plot rolling along and the conflict sharp and pointy.
The ending begs for a sequel. What about that army patrolling the beach? What will happen to St. Swithun’s amulet, the jewel that keeps Rindorn safe? Will Jonathan’s new-found love last?
Eriksson worked on this self-published novel while he lived on the Sunshine Coast in 2007-’08, though he says the manuscript had been sitting in his computer for 20 years. He now lives in Alberta and describes the sequel as mostly finished in rough draft.
Find Escape from Rindorn for $18.99 at Talewind Books in Sechelt.
