The Indian Chronicles

Both specialists and general readers will enjoy this fine first novel by a professor of Native American studies at Cornell. Some, however, may be initially confused by the introduction, which claims the text is merely a translation of the diary of Diego Colon, adopted Indian son of Christopher Columbus. In fact, it is a highly imaginative re-creation chronicling Diego's disillusionment as the Spaniards commit atrocities against the Taino Indians (the island Arawaks inhabiting the Caribbean), who lived to regret their initial acceptance of the invaders and their religion. As Diego's diary begins in April 1532, a revolt led by the Taino Enriquillo has nearly paralyzed the island of Hispanola. The narrative blends Diego's memories of the Spaniards' first landing and subsequent brutalities with his account of the revolt, an actual historical event that ultimately led to the first treaty signed between a European power and an Indian nation. Passages of genuine beauty lighten the often grim recounting of events, and this absorbing narrative draws on scholarly knowledge about the Tainos to offer an uncompromisingly accurate portrait of indigenous Americans' lives during the years immediately following the Europeans' arrival. (Sept.)