Les Derniers Iroquois

''Les derniers Iroquois'' by H. Émile Chevalier is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the tragic fate of the Iroquois people, particularly focusing on their last representatives and the struggles they face amidst the challenges posed by encroaching settlers and the remnants of their former glory. The opening chapters introduce the main characters, Nar-go-tou-ké and Ni-a-pa-ah, who navigate a perilous world filled with cultural clashes, personal hardships, and aspirations for revenge against their oppressors. The opening of the book presents a vivid scene set against a dark, ominous night where a ritual involving the burning of a woman takes place. The woman, revealed to be a captive Iroquois named Ni-a-pa-ah, is caught in a web of violence and brutality, embroiled in the tragic fate that befalls her and her husband, Nar-go-tou-ké. The narrative transports the reader through powerful imagery of the natural world while establishing a sense of urgency and despair as Nar-go-tou-ké vows to avenge the wrongs done to his family. This segment thus establishes not only the dire circumstances of the characters but also foreshadows the intense conflicts and emotional stakes that will unfold throughout the story.