Leap Beyond Blue Sky Veil

Book excerpt: Based on the autobiography of Sarah Winnemucca, a Nevadan Paiute of the 19th century Silver Rush era, this historical work of fiction vividly reenacts events of Sarah’s life, highlighting the slaughter of twenty-three members of her tribe by a U.S. cavalry. The deaths of two dear sisters in the massacre are the pivotal event that transforms Sarah into a fiery advocate for the Paiutes’ right to their land and preservation of their ancient culture. Woven into the narrative is the present-day fictional character of Edwina Winnemucca, an aged university professor, medicine woman/shaman, and niece of Sarah Winnemucca, whose supernatural activities are fraught with drama. Edwina lectures her class on Sarah’s remarkable life, her endearing personality, and her fight to save her tribe from starvation and mistreatment. A prophecy of reincarnation, heralded by Edwina’s shaman father, is fulfilled. Edwina befriends three of her students who possess remarkable similarities to Sarah and her sisters. The girls experience a series of harrowing trials at the hands of their lecherous landlord while Edwina has visions of grave danger. The exhilarating climax of the story displays Edwina’s amazing powers.