By: Margot Mifflin
This a true story of an Indian captivity. Olive Oatman was 13 years old in 1851 when, while travelling west with her family in a covered wagon, they were attacked by Indians. The only survivors were she and her sister who were taken by the Indians, and her brother, who was left for dead. Eventually, Olive was traded into the Mohave tribe where she received a facial tattoo, traditional for that tribe. After five years, thanks to the heroic efforts of her badly injured brother, she was rescued and brought back to "civilization." I read this book after reading a story based on this episode by Elmore Leonard called The Tonto Woman - as well as seeing a film based upon the Leonard story. This is a gripping tale of survival that leaves us with many questions to ponder. I recommend both the short story and the book. Check out the photo on the cover of the book and you will want to know about Olive. (Non-fiction) 07/12/09
