Nick of the Woods   By: Robert Montgomery Bird (1806-1854)

Nick of the Woods by Robert Montgomery Bird is a remarkable piece of historical fiction that delves into the intricacies of the American frontier during the late 18th century. Set primarily in the wilderness of Kentucky, this novel brilliantly captures the tension and conflict between settlers and Native Americans in a gripping and thought-provoking manner.

The story revolves around Nick, a half-breed scout who finds himself caught between two worlds. As a white man raised by the Cherokee, Nick's allegiances are continually tested as he witnesses the brutal treatment of Native Americans by white settlers, even as he tries to integrate into their society. Bird portrays Nick as a complex and nuanced character, torn between his duty as a guide for the settlers and his empathy for the indigenous people.

What sets this novel apart from others of its time is Bird's ability to tackle the issue of race and identity with great sensitivity and insight. He does not shy away from depicting the deep-rooted prejudices and misunderstandings that plagued the interactions between settlers and Native Americans. Yet, through Nick's struggles and interactions with other characters, the author highlights the damaging consequences of such prejudice, emphasizing the need for empathy and mutual understanding.

Bird's gripping storytelling skillfully combines elements of adventure, romance, and social commentary. The action-packed plot is peppered with suspenseful encounters, vivid descriptions of the untamed wilderness, and intense battles between rival factions. The inclusion of actual historical events, such as the infamous Battle of Blue Licks, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative, further immersing readers in the tumultuous time period.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its well-developed and memorable characters. From the enigmatic Nick, haunted by his mixed heritage, to the strong-willed yet vulnerable heroine, Virginia, the cast is diverse and multifaceted. Each character, whether protagonist or antagonist, is carefully crafted with their motivations and flaws, making them relatable and human.

While Nick of the Woods is undeniably a captivating and engaging read, it must be noted that Bird's prose can be overly descriptive at times, slowing down the pace. Furthermore, the complex and intertwined plotlines might require some patience from readers as they navigate through the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and loyalties.

Nonetheless, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall impact of the novel. Nick of the Woods is a compelling and enlightening work that sheds light on a crucial era of American history, exploring themes of identity, prejudice, and the pursuit of justice with remarkable depth. Bird's ability to weave historical events with fictional storytelling is commendable, and this book stands as a testament to his prowess as a writer.

First Page:

At the period when "Nick of the Woods" was written, the genius of Chateaubriand and of Cooper had thrown a poetical illusion over the Indian character; and the red men were presented almost stereotyped in the popular mind as the embodiments of grand and tender sentiment a new style of the beau ideal brave, gentle, loving, refined, honourable, romantic personages nature's nobles, the chivalry of the forest. It may be submitted that such are not the lineaments of the race that they never were the lineaments of any race existing in an uncivilised state indeed, could not be and that such conceptions as Atala and Uncas are beautiful unrealities and fictions merely, as imaginary and contrary to nature as the shepherd swains of the old pastoral school of rhyme and romance; at all events, that one does not find beings of this class, or any thing in the slightest degree resembling them, among the tribes now known to travellers and legislators. The Indian is doubtless a gentleman; but he is a gentleman who wears a very dirty shirt, and lives a very miserable life, having nothing to employ him or keep him alive except the pleasures of the chase and of the scalp hunt which we dignify with the name of war... Continue reading book >>