Forever Island has become the classic novel of the Everglades, evoking this haunting landscape in Patrick Smith's straightforward storytelling style. Since it first appeared in 1973, it has been published in 36 countries. It tells the story of Charlie Jumper, an old Seminole Indian who clings to the ancient ways and teaches them to his grandson. When their simple swamp existence is threatened by a development corporation, Charlie decides to fight back.
Allapattah is also a novel of a Seminole in the Everglades. Here Patrick Smith tells the story of Toby Tiger, a young Indian in despair at having to live in the white man's world. "Allapattah" means crocodile—a creature which becomes Toby Tiger's obsession, and he must wrestle it to set himself free. Many readers are unfamiliar with Allapattah and will welcome this new volume.
Both novels are about the encroachments of the white man's version of "civilization" on the Everglades, the unique natural area of south Florida often described as a "river of grass." To the Indians, their environment and way of life are one. When the white man arrives with bulldozers and plans for profit, the Indian must either surrender or fight to save what he considers holy. Patrick Smith tells here in warm, human terms of two Indians who refuse to surrender.
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