If I were to tell a friend about this book, the Council of Dolls, I would tell them that I thought it was a very good book to read. It would be a very good book for book clubs to discuss. I have always been interested in Native American history. This book covers historical events that span from the 1900's to 2010 from the perspective of three young girls from each generation and their cherished dolls. In each generation the girls and their dolls witnessed the dismantling of their cultures, families and at times their mental stability. From the times of the Indian wars to the Indian schools to re-educate Native Americans into the "white man's way of life", to present day, Native Americans struggle to find a balance between two worlds. The dolls were that piece of culture that created a safe haven for them. The dolls were their beloved toy, the voice of reason, defender, advisor, their sanity, their healer and at times their only friend. Most important the dolls carried their history and culture forward. I think this book would be an excellent book for anyone interested in Native American Culture, The Indian Schools and Indian Wars.

Remembrance is an interesting alternative to the tragic history of slavery and slave hunters. The book spans over several centuries into present day. Beginning with the slave country of Haiti and the decades before the slave rebellion there. I think the topic of slavery is a very sensitive one and this is reflected in the book by the way some slave holders treated their slaves in a somewhat humane manner, while others were extremely cruel. Also how the concept of slavery, once fully understood, could change a slave hunter into a slaves' friend.

I liked the book, I thought it was interesting concept how it tied scientific theories into the plot. The idea of a perfect Eden for ex-slaves as an idealistic community, a bypass of the underground railroad. A community that is under the direction of an "Omnipotent Mother". A self sufficient community with little connections to the outside world, other than the Abolitionist, Quaker Mary. A perfect protected Eden, until the boundaries to the outside world are compromised.

The main characters were unique in that they possessed hidden and sometimes latent mystical powers and voodoo. The book was a little confusing at times how the chapters went from character to character though the different centuries. The characters and events seemed to blend together through the centuries in time and space. As I continued reading, the chapters narrowed to focus on three main characters. I also felt the chapters were redundant in some ways going from one character to another in order to retell events from each characters prospective.

I think this book would raise many interesting discussions for any book group. Discussions could range from the Slave Rebellion in Haiti, Abolitionists movement, runaway slaves and the slave hunters, Voodoo and mysticism practices.

Similar book of interest:
Isabel Allende, Island Beneath the Sea. About the slave rebellion in Haiti.
Susan Monk-Kidd, The Invention of Wings