Her name was Luiza, but to her Native family she was called Bluebird. Her family lived in a village in North Georgia. They called themselves Tsa-la-gi, which means Cherokee. It was her home since birth and she adored everything about it. The Enchanted Land was home to many Native Americans.When the white settlers came to this land many of the Natives befriended them. They began trading with each other, which was an essential part of the livelihood of both cultures. It was common for white men to marry Native women. The 19th century was an era of great
accomplishments for both of them. Luiza was a woman of great beauty, but she was also a woman with a strong will and an even stronger faith in God. It is this will and faith that carried her through the many difficult times she would face on her journey. Come take this journey with Luiza as she tells a story about her life as a Cherokee woman, mother, and wife. Witness the joys and hardships that occurred being married to a white man in the 1800’s, in what the Cherokee called, “The Enchanted Land.” Follow her as she struggles with her identity during the most crucial time in the history of the Cherokee people. This is Luiza's story as only she could tell it.
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My parents had been able to hang onto their land, but it seemed it was a never-ending battle, as it was for all the Cherokee tribe. The white settlers and traders were constantly trying to convince them to give up their land for some price or another, as though they could actually put a price on such a precious gift. Because I was married to a white man, and he was considered the property owner, we were never at risk of losing our land. I felt so guilty for having a sense of security, when my people were struggling to keep what was rightfully theirs. I saw the pain it caused them. I didn’t know the worst was yet to come…
*****5 stars great read, kept my attention!, December 9, 2008 By Debbie "debbie#1" (Marietta, GA) Amazon.com reviews------ I haven't read a book in a while that kept my interest like this one! I read it without putting it down, and now I'm waiting on a sequel! Very good, very interesting book. I felt like I was there! Definitely recommend this book.
*****5 stars Enchanted Land, Wonderful!, December 28, 2008
By "Andy" (Marietta, GA) -
There has never been enough written about the Trail of Tears and the unbelievably difficult situations that time created for both Native Americans and whites. This book, written by a woman who is a part of that heritage, helps us understand some of the difficulties facing the people caught up in the duality of that culture. Beautifully written, heartwarming, impossible to put down. The story should be put on film and added to the too few movies or documentaries available on this subject.
About Vicky Wells
Georgia native Vicky Wells is a proud descendent of the Tsa-la-gi, the Cherokee. She is the mother of two and has two grandchildren,who are her greatest joy.
Her name was Luiza, but to her Native family she was called Bluebird. Her family lived in a village in North Georgia. They called themselves Tsa-la-gi, which means Cherokee. It was her home since birth and she adored everything about it. The Enchanted Land was home to many Native Americans.When the white settlers came to this land many of the Natives befriended them. They began trading with each other, which was an essential part of the livelihood of both cultures. It was common for white men to marry Native women. The 19th century was an era of great
Georgia native Vicky Wells is a proud descendent of the Tsa-la-gi, the Cherokee. She is the mother of two and has two grandchildren,who are her greatest joy.