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"Bone Necklace is exquisite – meticulously researched, culturally and historically authentic, and flat-out heart-wrenching. Sullivan’s debut novel is an important contribution to the body of literature about America’s last Indian War."
— Gary Dorr, Former Chairman, General Council, Nez Perce Tribe
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“A terrific story. With vivid characters and precise details, Bone Necklace is a masterfully crafted account of the last battle for America’s West. Poignant. Touching. Memorable. This will stay with me for a long time.”
— Robert Dugoni, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Tracy Crosswhite Series and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
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Bone Necklace by Julia Sullivan takes a fictionalized look at an infamous period of American history, when the Native American populations were cajoled, harried, and ultimately forced onto reservations by the U.S, Government. The Nez Perce were a tribe known to be amenable to the exploration of their lands and were generally accommodating to the white settlers and their representatives. However, when it became obvious that treaties were intentionally being broken and injustices perpetrated upon their peoples, the Nez Perce made their stand. This story concentrates on a small band of Nez Perce warriors who fought bravely and tactically well to defeat a much larger, better-armed, and better-equipped adversary and effect an escape for their people from the U.S. to Canada. The cost to both sides in this conflict was horrific and the author approaches the narrative from the perspective of two main protagonists: Jack Peniel, the drunken son of the local sheriff, who desperately wants to earn his father’s respect and atone for his perceived failure to protect his step-mother from death at the hands of the Nez Perce; and Running Bird, a Nez Perce warrior who is consumed by the guilt from his careless actions that precipitated this headlong dash by his tribe for sanctuary in Canada. Bone Necklace is a deeply enthralling read on many levels. Julia Sullivan takes readers on a rollicking and intensely dramatic journey of war, hardship, privation, and moral justification that was part of the exploration of the west, at the expense of the local indigenous populations. She gives readers clear insight into the motivations and constraints experienced by both the soldiers and the Nez Perce families. Her ability to ascribe to the Nez Perce the familial love, care, and concern is a real tribute to this story’s realism and certainly creates a feeling of empathy for the plight of Native American tribes of the time. I particularly enjoyed both main characters who have major character flaws, but who are similar at their core. The story’s ability to evoke sympathy for both the common soldier and the Native American brave is a hallmark of this narrative and does the author credit. I particularly appreciated that the author highlighted both the disconnection from reality of those who make the decisions in Washington and those forced to implement those decisions on the ground, plus the bias and prejudice of those reporting the situation. It questions whether anything has changed in 150 years. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and believe it will appeal to more than just the die-hard western fan. This is a story that highlights another shameful period of history and I can highly recommend it.
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Bone Necklace is a captivating historical novel in which men are troubled by their wartime losses. Julia Sullivan’s piercing historical novel Bone Necklace revisits the 1877 Nez Perce War through the personal stories of people on its opposing sides. When Jack’s mother goes missing after their Idaho home is burned, he volunteers with the militia in the hopes of finding her. He endures a ruthless battlefield ambush while also contending with alcoholism, a broken heart, and his contentious relationship with his father. Jack’s guilt about his army role further compounds his unease. Elsewhere, Running Bird, a seventeen-year-old Nez Perce warrior, bristles when he’s ordered onto a reservation. His grievances toward white people prompt him to seek retribution, but this pains his conscience too. Further tragedies involving his Nez Perce band fuel his sense of resolve, though. And the book’s third part introduces an artist at Yellowstone. Despite her late addition, her perspective is rich and conflicted: the Nez Perce people caused her pain, yet they are also the reason for her survival. As the novel progresses, the men confront the fallout of their decisions, including uncomfortable questions about both complicity and duty. Jack struggles after following orders from General Sherman that led to the deaths of Nez Perce women and children; his moral boundaries erode, even as he fights to maintain his sensitivity. Running Bird, meanwhile, has become numb to violence, though he also realizes that his life story hasn’t unfolded as it could have. With little room for moral high ground, the men’s characterizations are dimensional. Their stories connect through acts against each other’s families that propel queries about what’s just. Their careful reflections keep the novel from becoming too bleak; they each unearth empathy toward the other. Despite the senseless nature of war, this leads to a sense of hope. Visceral scenes convey both a sense of the rugged outdoors and of the physicality of war. Action scenes are interspersed with newspaper excerpts that reveal shifts in white people’s perceptions of Native Americans: there are instances of racism toward the Nez Perce people, but also of respect toward Chief Joseph as he guides his people to Montana and surrenders with dignity. Later admissions that the war was unnecessary mix with broad, prejudice-tinged generalizations and tense correspondence between generals—a crisp overview of period perspectives. Bone Necklace is a captivating historical novel in which men are troubled by their wartime losses. Reviewed by Karen Rigby October 11, 2022
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"In a beautiful, sometimes heart-wrenching way, with the incredible descriptions and in-depth characters, Ms Sullivan delivers a “Great American Novel”, a classic western tale of a rough and desperate time in American history... but along with that, the story connects in a very human way, showing how very alike people are no matter from what station or class or background they are. A book full of profound lessons and even more profound characters. Within these pages, you can smell, hear, taste, feel, and see the fear, the pain, the anger, the injustice, the sorrow, mingled with the promise of love, hope, honor, and beauty emerging at the horizon like a golden sunrise over the Great Plains. Very highly recommended."
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Although a work of meticulously researched fiction, "Bone Necklace" will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Native American history. Exceptionally well written and with the highest recommendation for community library historical fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Bone Necklace" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781953021540, $19.95), as well as in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Midwest Book Review
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"Sometimes when you read a novel, it’s so well-imagined that it just takes over and happens to you. Indeed, it’s a rare read that delivers on this level but that’s exactly what Sullivan’s Bone Necklace does."
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Two enemies become allies in this historical novel, set during the Nez Perce War. In the summer of 1877, U.S. Army soldiers are in a conflict with the Nez Perce people, whose leaders chose not to heed a governmental order to relocate to an Idaho reservation. This story is told from the perspectives of a drunken Idaho militiaman, a passionate Nez Perce warrior, and a visiting English painter who’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jack Peniel is too intoxicated to save his stepmother from a fire, and he joins up with his abusive sheriff father’s volunteer militia unit. A man named Running Bird set the blaze, after the lawman refused to arrest his father’s White murderer. Nicole Lowsley is visiting Yosemite when the Nez Perce attack, and she becomes Running Bird’s captive. All three main characters find themselves entangled in dangerous times as the dwindling tribe makes a desperate dash for haven in Canada, with the U.S. Army chasing them. Throughout the ordeal, Jack and Running Bird both grow as characters and Nicole is awakened to the struggles of the Nez Perce people. Soon, the media, and then public opinion, swing away from support for the government’s military campaign. Debut author Sullivan, a lawyer, began working on this book two decades ago after visiting the Big Hole Battlefield in Montana, as she was drawn to the injustices suffered by the Nez Perce. These years of research are fully evident in the narrative, which brings the despicable treatment of the Nez Perce people to vivid life; she even includes 50 pages of character bios, photos, and period editorials to flesh out the setting. Sullivan has also created a trio of flawed but memorable characters. Early on, they seem like mere archetypes: Jack is sloth, Running Bird is wrath, and Nicole is pride. However, they all move into new roles as the world changes around them, and it’s bracing to follow their personal journeys. A detailed volume that shines a light on a tragic period of American history.
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“Native American history is too often portrayed as a tragedy — as if some fatal flaw in the character of the Indians doomed them to a terrible fate. It’s a narrative that places the moral blame squarely on the victim. Bone Necklace confronts that lie.” What is historical fiction all about anyway? The very best of the genre introduces us to a slice of history we may or may not be aware of, creates authentic fictional characters to play out the drama, and teaches us a historical, philosophical or moral lesson or two, often expressed by the author’s distinctive approach and point of view. The quote above is from the website of Julia Sullivan, author of the eloquently written, meticulously researched and historically based novel Bone Necklace (Brandylane Publishers), which recounts the 1877 last stand against all odds of the Nez Perce Tribe in the American West, told through a host of marvelous characters. But as much as a tribute to the outcome of the actual battle, this book is a study in coming to terms with the effects of war (in any time period), examining relationships between loved ones, and having the characters develop an understanding for the enemies they spend most waking hours hoping to outwit, outmaneuver and bring to their knees.
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Sullivan constructs a captivating drama around America’s final Indian War, told from the perspectives of a Nez Perce warrior, an Idaho militiaman, and an English painter who gets caught up in the violence. It was the summer of 1877 when General Howard of the U.S. Army initiated his attack on the bedraggled remains of the Nez Perce tribe and promised to make short work of the tribe. Instead, for four months, he pursued them across 1,100 miles of Idaho, only to lose the war. Set against the backdrop of a vicious war, this compelling tale beautifully portrays the heartbreak that the country brought to the Indians and the myriad ways they were forced to protect themselves. Blending history and fiction together, Sullivan authentically captures the perspectives of the Nez Perce as well as the viewpoints of their adversaries from the U.S. cavalry. She skillfully portrays the era while weaving together social history, historical events, and details of day-to-day life. Aching stories of familial love and heartbreak yield greater themes of belonging and alienation, the complexity of personal and professional loyalties, and the atrocities of war as Sullivan emphasizes her characters’ inherent humanity. A gripping, meticulous, and illuminating tale of courage, survival, war, and intrigue.
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Bone Necklace by Julia Sullivan is a historical fiction novel set in the American West in 1877. After an attack by the Nez Perce Indians, Jack Peniel searches for his stepmother, Sally. Unable to find her, he joins forces with his father to deal with the Indians and possibly find peace. To make matters worse, his mule doesn't listen, and Jack is out of whiskey. Things never quite seem to come together for Jack. Will he ever be able to make his way in this war-torn frontier? To find out, you must read this book! In just the first few chapters, I was aware of a lifetime of history belonging to Jack Peniel. It was so effortlessly woven into the storyline that it never felt like too much information. This skillful and adept writing style makes this book not only entertaining but an easy read. The flowing narrative carries a reader swiftly through from event to event seamlessly as the action mounts and the pace quickens at times. There are welcome instances of humor in the narrative of this story that comes upon the unsuspecting reader without warning. I found myself enjoying that element on occasion. That moment of lightness would overtake the seriousness of a particular scene, such as when a hapless bugler blew his horn near the ear of Jack Penial, who was nursing a hangover. What I liked best about this story was the excellent character development. As the reader follows Jack through one battle to another, there is a subtle transformation in how Jack views current events. The subject of right and wrong becomes a more prevalent issue, and the novel's tone changes. I feel that these aspects will resonate with readers on a deep and personal level. As the book progresses, it is divided into four parts. Each part deals with different stages of events that affect sets of characters. This format helped break the book up and kept it from becoming tedious due to its length. The battle scenes are numerous and lengthy, and at times it felt like the story was getting lost in the long descriptions of gruesome deaths and mutilation. I enjoyed the depth of feeling in many of the characters. The love between Running Bird and Prairie Dove was important to the novel. Their relationship echoed the strength and bond of people throughout generations who have lived through times of war. Readers will enjoy how vivid and intense the character's personalities are in this story. I found nothing too negative to mention about this book. It is exceptionally well edited and without error. It employs fictional characters that are supported by the foundation of true history. This tactic has given the book depth of feeling along with historical accuracy. I especially enjoyed how it included photos of historical characters. For these reasons, it has achieved a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a novel that takes them back in time and delivers a close account of what it was like during the Indian wars. It will appeal most to students of history who love a good story. This book has frequent severe profanity scattered throughout. The grotesque injuries, gruesome scenes, massacres, and violence that one would expect when reading about Indian wars are present in this novel. Therefore it is best suited to a mature audience. Fans of historical novels set in the American West will enjoy this book.
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“A fascinating description of the arrogance of the U.S. in initiating and fighting the wars against Native Americans, taking their land and murdering their people without mercy or shame. The characters felt so true-to-life, in large part because the author based them on composites of real people. The book portrays the heartbreak our country brought to a peaceful people, and the myriad ways they were forced to protect themselves, often at the expense of their own values. A real and well-researched history lesson, as well as a love story -- not only the love (platonic and otherwise) of the Native Americans for each other, but also for the country that was theirs and that we stole.”
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When the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through Idaho to the pacific coast in 1805, they encountered the Nez Perce Indians, the Nimiipuu (True People), who treated them well. On their way home in 1806 they found them again and were yet again treated well. Of all the indigenous tribes they encountered on their long journey, they spent the most time with the Nez Perce. However, by 1877, gold miners, loggers, settlers and the usual white scum had flooded their lands and a long period of peaceful relations with whites had ended. They were attacked by the military as well as settlers, attacked in return, and eventually the young and old, the sick and healthy, men and women fled the army across 1800 miles of rough mountainous terrain through Wyoming and Montana hoping to reach Canada. They were led by the famous Chief Joseph who surrendered with the weak and sick in Yellowstone Park, but 300 of them miraculously managed to make it to Canada. While the history of this arrival is covered in several of the many books on this last Indian war, the mere history tends toward dryness. The author, Julia Child, has brought thee story of these people alive and fascinating through a novel, Bone Necklace. She has worked through the historical documents and invented plausible characters, the most important being two brothers from a Nez Perce mother, one of whom was taken from their mother and raised as white and who became an increasingly reluctant soldier and a drunk. His gradual understanding of his identity is a crucial part of his resolve to aid the Nez Perce in their successful flight to Canada. Sullivan's book is a great read, a mastery of the subject, the violence and the society. She is a skillful author and I ended this book with a much greater understanding of the war, its tragic effects on the Nez Perce and a huge respect for Sullivan.
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Excellent read! The author did a masterful job researching and detailing the historical setting and content of this story, even providing photographs and historical details of some of the more important characters depicted. She was able to accurately portray the cultural settings of both the whites and the Nez Perce for the time, without falling into the current “political correctness” or revisionist history rhetoric so common in our day. In reading this story, one is able to experience the mistakes and heinous crimes committed by actors on both sides. One feels frustration with the ineptitude, arrogance, and simple antipathy exhibited by officials of the US government, yet one sees also the terrible acts committed by individuals on both sides against innocents and understands the the anguish, fear, and hate the white settlers had for the Indians tribes and the tribes for the white settlers. Sullivan was able to present both sides of the war on equal and accurate terms, telling both the bad and the good. It is a heart-wrenching story of war and suffering, yet there is beauty in it as well. The story is told through the eyes of two individuals on opposite sides of the war, both of whom have great reason to hate the people of the other, yet who come to find a connection and a change of heart between themselves. It is a story of corruption, heinous crime, evil, regret, sorrow, and change. There are multiple levels of meaning embedded deep within the pages of this book. More than just a meaningful historical novel, I found it to be a powerful story of repentance, change, and redemption with a useful message for life in our world today. A very worthy read. It left a lasting impression on me.
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Loved it! 😍 A contentious piece of American history taken and woven into a well-written and evocative historical novel with vivid characterisation
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With its sympathetic characters and riveting story, Julia Sullivan’s historical novel BONE NECKLACE is a fascinating look into a forgotten chapter of US history whose lessons are today more relevant than ever.
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As a long-time resident of Montana, I am well-acquainted with the story of Nez Perce Chief Joseph and his tribe’s 1200-mile flight from Idaho through Montana toward the Canadian border. Julia Sullivan has written a novel that is true in historical details, but she embellishes history to draw the reader into the turmoil experienced by the U.S. cavalry soldiers, the tribe’s warriors, and the families of those men. None of the characters are painted in black and white. Many are good people who lose sight of their humanity while trying to survive a brutal campaign. Wars have illustrated that frailty of character repeatedly since man began to walk upright on earth. Sullivan’s command of language is expert, with dialogue that matches the novel’s characters well. Battle scenes are gut-wrenchingly described, exposing horrors that cannot be ignored in the telling of the story. There is no sugar-coating of the reality of war. I highly recommend Bone Necklace to anyone who wants to delve deeper into a chapter in the story of America’s push to expand ever-westward.
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"This is one of the best researched novels I have encountered, because I, too, investigated the Nez Perce war for several of my published novels. Julia Sullivan tells the story from the points of view of both Nez Perce characters and a soldier who rode with General Oliver Otis Howard. The author includes correspondence between Howard and General Sherman, who commanded the west, and makes the reader feel the tragedy from the points of both the Nez Perce and the soldiers who pursued them. This book brought me to tears many times with its exquisite vocabulary, raw emotion and a sense of helplessness that maintains hope.
Linda Jacobs, Western Writers of America, Roundup Magazine
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BONE NECKLACE is a compelling story of endurance, hope and not giving up despite overwhelming odds. Inside the book, readers will see the war and its effects through the eyes of narrators that take us through the three major battles of the war. There is also one female narrator, who offers readers a glimpse into the suffering endured by women and children. BONE NECKLACE will be enjoyed by fans of both social justice literature and the history of the American West.
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"The language is evocative, the pacing well-controlled, and the dialogue sharp and lively (“My father is an eel-skinned liar”). Epistolary passages suggest the official language of the day, and Sullivan takes care to suggest the rhythms and cadences of the Nez Perce tongue. Sullivan has effectively captured the beauty of the mountainous terrain through which the pursuer and pursued pass, and this brings out the tragedy of the conflict in sharp relief."
Book Life
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Author Julia Sullivan does an amazing job of melding fact with fiction to create this moving and remarkable story. Her use of historic figures as the basis for the leading characters lends authenticity to the story she tells. It's easy to see how affected she was by the plight of the New Perce people as you read. The writing style throughout the book paints images of both beautiful landscapes and people and horrific battles and individual violence. The cruel and inhuman atrocities perpetrated in times of war stand out in stark relief to the more human elements of the story, which works to keep the reader turning pages. The author did an admirable job of showing both perspectives and motivations throughout the tale, as well as showing Jack's long-overdue move toward maturity. The way the fictional lives were meshed with actual history was seamless and helped to create an emotional and moving storyline. One can certainly see the amount of work the author did to create this vivid look at the resilient and determined Nez Perce people and the great lengths the US government went to in order to subdue them. The addition of the factual information at the end was a nice touch, since it let the reader know just how closely the book followed history. I also enjoyed seeing the photographs, which helped me put a face with each of the main characters. My only complaint, and it's a relatively minor one, is that in a few instances I felt like modern-day language and thinking intruded in a couple of places, which threw me right out of the story. I would prefer the author add that to the end of the story as her personal perspective/comments rather than having make an appearance in the book. If you’re a fan of historic novels with well-made characters, then you will definitely want to read Bone Necklace.
Book Revue FOUR STAR Review
