We have a very special treat today—I am hosting one of the final sneak peeks into Lori Benton’s newest historical novel, The Wood’s Edge, before its release on April 21st!
The beauty and power of Lori’s writing, as well as our shared heart for Native American history, made me a devoted fan of her first two books, Burning Sky and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn. But when I had the privilege of reading this one pre-release…well, here’s what I wrote about it on GoodReads:
I’m not sure I’ve ever wished before that I could give a book more than five stars, but I do with The Wood’s Edge. Few historical novels have touched me as deeply as this one–and I’ve read a lot! 🙂 I’ve come to expect from Lori Benton a beautifully crafted story that sweeps me away to the 18th century frontier, but this story of two families caught between cultures and histories yet inextricably bound together by human failing, heartache, and love…well, it completely blew me away, shaking me for the whole rest of the day after I finished it. Not only beautiful but powerful, with resonance of redemption and reconciliation that moved me to tears several times and left me deeply moved and, I hope, changed for the better. |
In case that doesn’t whet your appetite, here is an exclusive “sneak peek” into this story of frontier forts and Revolution and twins switched at birth, of man’s sin and God’s greater grace, when young Anna and Two Hawks are beginning to sense their friendship turning to something more…
(Just click the image to enlarge.)
Doesn’t she write captivatingly? And now without further ado, I will turn the floor over to Lori! Don’t forget to comment at the end for a chance to WIN a copy of this beautiful novel.
- Thank you so much for being here, Lori! So, what helped birth the unique story of The Wood’s Edge in your writer’s heart and mind?
After I’d written my previous two published novels, Burning Sky and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, I was looking for a setting and historical situation through which to weave another story. Around that time I read an article about twins born to a multiracial couple—much to their parents’ surprise one twin was brown-skinned, the other fair, a startling contrast. That snagged my attention. I began asking myself the ‘what if’ questions that authors do. What if twins like these were born in the 18th century? What if they were separated and one raised never knowing he had a different heritage than his skin proclaimed? That was the seed from which The Wood’s Edge grew.
- The themes of redemption and healing and forgiveness are so strong in this story, yet I know you set out mainly to tell a good story, not to preach a message–and I think that’s part of what makes your books so powerful. Were you surprised by any of the turns the characters and story took spiritually? (I know that has happened to me…always reminds me God is bigger than I am. 🙂 )
I’m always surprised by the journey a novel takes me on. I usually have the plot worked out in broad strokes (beginning, middle, end, some points in between) before I begin to write, but emotional and spiritual journeys get refined along the way and that leaves plenty of room for surprising developments. Both Stone Thrower and Reginald, the fathers in this story, developed in surprising ways. It took a lot of prayer and waiting for revelation about these characters on a day by day basis as I wrote. I might have had a general idea of what needed to happen next, but I wouldn’t always know exactly how each character would react to something until I wrote it, or what their deeper motivation might be for the choices I knew they’d make. That’s the joy I find in being somewhere between a plotter and a seat-of-the-pants writer.
- What is something you hope readers take away from this story in terms of our nation’s history and the interaction—and often clash—between the native and immigrant cultures of America?
One of the reasons I write the stories I do and incorporate that history, interaction and clash is to create a memorial. A reminder. A marker. If that marker was a stone and had words etched into it they might say: THIS HAPPENED. LET’S NOT FORGET IT.
I hope readers of The Wood’s Edge take a deeper look at a period of our history—US history and that of the sovereign nations of the Iroquois—that perhaps they were never taught in school, or perhaps view it from another angle. The human beings on each side of that conflict (and there were more than two sides) were equally precious in God’s sight, equally complex of soul, equally in need of grace, and not immune to suffering.
- I love that about your books. I was also fascinated by your portrayal of the real historical missionaries Samuel and Jerusha Kirkland. What drew you to include them in the story? What lessons—positive or negative—do you think we can learn today from some of the early missionaries to Native Americans?
In writing about the Oneida Nation during the 1760s and 70s, it would have been unrealistic not to include a missionary. There were quite a few living among the people at the time. For narrative simplicity I decided to focus on just one. I chose Samuel Kirkland because his long-term relationship with the Oneidas was a factor in the choice they made to support the Americans during the Revolutionary War, a choice that set them in opposition to most of the rest of the Six Nations of the Iroquois. I was also intrigued that his wife, Jerusha, eventually joined him there and ministered with him, and thought her presence would introduce both conflict and consolation for the character of Good Voice, who comes to know her.
Besides the fact that these missionaries were there and I didn’t want to ignore that, introducing them layered yet another conflict into the story—between those Oneidas who had embraced faith in Christ and those who held to traditional beliefs. While the missionaries who ventured to live among the Oneidas had sincere hearts for the people, many (if not all) thought that believing in Jesus as Savior meant not only a spiritual rebirth needed to occur, but also an outward change in the form of cultural assimilation. This is an issue I tried to gently address through the characters of Good Voice and Two Hawks.
If there is a lesson to be learned it’s that there are elements in opposition to God’s word rooted in every culture, including the culture that was attempting to make converts of the Iroquois during the 1700s. Conversely, every nation’s traditional customs—their music, dress, expression, sensibilities, and insights—are as appropriate and acceptable in the worship of God as the next nation’s. Our witness for Christ is more effective when we can be accepting of customs that may be different from ours yet don’t conflict with scripture.
- Beautifully put, Lori…that was one of the aspects of The Wood’s Edge that especially moved me. So what was the most exciting bit of historical research you happened upon for this story (that won’t give away any spoilers)?
Beyond the astonishing contribution the Oneidas made to an American victory during the Revolutionary War (something explored more in the upcoming sequel A Flight of Arrows), there were two things I was delighted about. Both have to do with Oneida culture. The first is the deeper meaning of the book’s title. The wood’s edge isn’t just a setting in the novel, it’s also a ceremony used in Oneida culture that has deep thematic meaning in this story. But being minded of spoilers, I’ll have to let readers discover that in its pages.
The second is the importance of dreams in Iroquois culture, a belief that they signify a person’s deepest longings and should be made to come true in a tangible way, if possible. This is something I learned while researching my earlier novel, Burning Sky, and incorporated into that story as well. In The Wood’s Edge I was able to more fully explore this fascinating part of Iroquois culture so different from my own perceptions.
Thank you so much, Lori! So fascinating and eye-opening…it’s always a joy and blessing to host you here. 🙂
Now, readers! If you would like to enter to win a copy of The Wood’s Edge (and I bet you want to after this interview!), please just POST A COMMENT answering one of these questions: If you have read any of Lori’s books before, who has been your favorite character so far? If you haven’t yet read her books, why would you especially like to win The Wood’s Edge?
Note: Giveaway will close at 11:59 Sunday evening, PST. Winner will be announced on Monday, April 13!
I have been seeing so many great reviews and now this interview…this sounds like a wonderful story! I would love to win it!
I so want to read this book it sounds utterly fascinating!!!
Can you believe I haven’t read Lori’s books yet???? I want to but my to be read pile is so enormous because of my writing deadline. Grr!!!
Haha, I know what you mean about a TBR pile, Jaime! At least you have a good reason for it. 🙂 I know you will love Lori’s books when you get the chance!
Well… I would answer but I’m in a bit of a swoon after that excerpt 😉 I really liked the character of Tamsen but I am really looking forward to reading The Wood’s Edge!!
I haven’t had the opportunity to read her books. But living in the southwest and learning the native american’s of our area ay oflife from co-workers and friends iwould love to read about others,
I have never read this author, but I would like too.
I really enjoyed reading The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and my favorite character from that book was Jesse Bird.
Would love to win this newest book!
The Sneak peeks you have been posting have made me really curious for this book!!!
I just finished The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and it was awesome!! I would have to say that currently Tamsen is my favorite character, but it is very hard to pick. I love the way Lori develops characters in her books!! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!!
I love powerful stories that pull on my heartstrings. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
I have read both of Lori’s previous novels and although it’s really hard to pick a favorite character, I’d probably have to say Jesse Bird. I absolutely loved both novels and can’t wait to read this next one.
I just finished Burning Sky and loved it! It’s one of the best books I’ve read in the past year and amazes me with the amount of historical detail so well-woven into the story. Lori is an incredibly talented writer, and already one of my favorites. I’m sure The Wood’s Edge will not disappoint, based on your review, Kiersti. My favorite character from Burning Sky was Tames-His-Horse. I really felt so sorry for him.
What help birth the story was you had read an article on twins who where born to a multi cultural couple one was brown skinned and one was fair. Then you decided to write a book where they where raised by different people. In the 18th century. I can’t wait to read.
I’ve read The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and loved Tamsen and Jesse… AND the book! Have enjoyed the sneak peeks. They’ve done their job and I am definitely looking forward to Wood’s Edge! Great review and interview and thanks for the giveaway!
i have not read Lori’s books but would love to because of recommendations from a fellow reader. When she recommends a book then I take notice. Thank you for the giveaway!
Oh, my gosh, Lori, I love you and your books, and I don’t care if I sound like a gushing fan right now! lol. Your books have such depth, and I love the underlying mercy and respect for other cultures you present in your books.
And thank you, Kiersti, for hosting her and this opportunity to win! 🙂
I’m adopted, so Burning Sky’s (Willa’s) story of trying to combine two worlds and understand her identity and family and where she belongs in the midst of them really resonated with me. “The Wood’s Edge” sounds like another story right up my alley! 🙂 Hope to read it soon.
I have not yet read any of Lori’s books but after reading this interview and sneak peak I’m very interested in reading the rest of this story!
i have never read anything of Lori’s, but I would love to win this book! The glimpses I have read leave me hungering for more!!!
no I have not read any of your books-but would love to win!!
I have not read any of Lori’s books but after reading all the comments, I am inspired to do so! I love reading historical fiction and would feel very grateful to have the chance to win and pass on your book!
I have not read any of Lori’s books yet. Wowzers, I can see I am truly missing out.
I love the rich historical detail I am seeing described in this book. I so much want to read this book ! I wish it was in front of me right now. I know I would stay up all night reading it !
You all know how to make an author swoon with gratitude. THANK YOU so very much for all the wonderful comments I’ve just read through. What a blessing you all are. Wish I had enough promo copies to give you all one. 🙂 Blessings to each and every one of you!
I have heard so many great things about Lori’s books. They all so fascinating and can’t wait to read them.
I am certainly intrigued. I love Lori’s style. What better place than at the woods edge to be?
Oh I loved Jesse Bird. Of course it helped that he has the best name. 🙂 Would LOVE to win and read Wood’s Edge.
I’m thrilled to see some Jesse Bird fans here. I’m mighty fond of that young man myself. 🙂
Jesse is a pretty special guy, that’s certain. 🙂
I loved Burning Sky and Willa’s story. Pursuit of Tamsen Little John is on my TBR pile, and I can’t wait to read it. Looking forward to this one also. Dawn Crandall highly recommended, and she was SO right!
I haven’t read any by LB, but this book sounds so intriguing, I’d love to win a copy!
I haven’t read any of her books, but I would be interested to read this one to see how she handles both the cross-cultural aspects of the First Nations people and the missionaries living with them, but also the issue (virtually unknown at the time) of the struggle between recognizing what forms there are within a given culture that are neutral or adaptable to a faith in Jesus and which ones (within their culture and our own) actually stand in the way of a true following of Jesus. Trying to handle this while also keeping the book historically accurate to the time period is not easy, so I am interested to see what she does with this….I really deeply believe that fiction done well, especially historical fiction, can do more to help us examine (in an unthreatening way) our own worldview, our own beliefs, our own experience and modify it to be more in line with Scripture.
The way Lori handles this issue blended with historical accuracy is one of my favorite things about this book–besides it just being a stunning, beautifully written story, of course. 🙂 And I so agree with you about the power fiction can hold, Linda! Thanks so much for stopping by and joining the conversation…I really appreciate your thoughts.
[…] you to everyone who commented and shared in our special interview and sneak peek with Lori Benton–and who entered the giveaway for a copy of her powerfully beautiful, […]