Comanche [Mass Market Paperback]

Comanche is set in Texas in the mid-nineteenth century. This novel is classified as a Historical Romance. It follows the formulaic pattern of Romance novels. Yet, issues such as feminism and racial identity are embedded within the story. This novel might be dismissed as "sensationalist" or "escapist" literature because of its literary classification. However, if you take the time to examine this novel's larger ideas and issues, you will find porvoking subject matter beneath Comanche's gaudy and gilt cover. Comanche brings attention to the racial tension which has existed between the Native Americans and the colonial invaders since the invasion of America by Europeans. Bronson Kane is the embodiment of this conflict and Maggie is the projection of the European's racist fears. Economic inequality between the white and Native American population can be related directly to the stereotypes and fears which still exist. The character of Bronson represents the conflict inherent in Native American citizens who historically needed to surrender their culture for the Europeans or be condemned as social deviants by the colonialists. This dilemma has been discussed recently in such literary works as M. Scott Momaday's House Made of Dawn and Sherman Alexie's Indian Killer. However, the model of the half-breed has been used frequently throughout the history of literature as in Henry James' novel The Princess Casa massima in which the delicate character of Hyacinth struggles with his heritage of upper-class Britain and lower-class France. This conflict of heritage which leads to an unsolvable conflict in the character of Hyacinth is a sharp contrast to that of Bronson who ultimately accepts his identity through the expression of love for Maggie. This represents a consolation between his identification with his white ancestors and his tribal community, the Comanches. Fabio eludes to the struggle of identity through Bronson's pleas toward Maggie: "Are we really different? Does it matter whether we find our destiny here in the wilderness, or back in stuffy old Boston?" Through this, Fabio suggests a reconciliation between Native American and Europeans be abondoning our cultural stereotypes for the respect of the individual. This resolution is characterized in the novel by Bronson and Maggie's love. Perhaps instead of limiting our perception of literature to such classifications as "classic" or "romance", we can look at every novel from an objective point of view and value its cultural meaning. The fact that Fabio, a cultural icon, wrote it negates the way in which it is percieved by reading audiences. His name carries a set a expectations with it and it is these expectations that we must suspend in order to look at the novel objectively. Comanche is a novel that is meant to be enjoyed. It is entertaining. It is also a reflection of our physical, emotional, and social ideals. A single book can be enjoyed and values on multiple levels.

Commanche is a great book for anyone who loves books that contain romance that rises above and beyond the restrants of prejudice and the classical veiws of society. Bronson Kane and Maggie Donovan, both learn from the other and find a mutal meeting ground. This captivating book is filled with a senseof realism that fills your heart. If your looking to take a journey in the form of two wonderful and fulfilling caracters I realy recommend you read this book.

Fabio has done it again with this solid new work of Romantic fiction. His characters are vigorous and robust, and he has honed his use of the English language like a master craftsman. The dialogue is crisp and original, and the love scenes were graphic yet tasteful. Go Fabio!

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