Follow the River Summary & Key Insights

James Alexander Thom's "Follow the River" tells the epic story of the Shawnee people's struggle for survival and their westward migration following the American Revolution. The novel follows several interwoven narratives, primarily focusing on the lives of three Shawnee individuals: Chief Cornstalk, a powerful and pragmatic leader; his son, Elakhawa, a young warrior grappling with his evolving identity and loyalty; and Tecumseh’s sister, Tenskwatawa, a prophetess whose spiritual influence profoundly shapes the Shawnee's destiny.

The story begins in the Ohio River Valley, a land brimming with life but increasingly threatened by encroaching white settlers. Cornstalk, despite his efforts to negotiate peace and maintain his people's autonomy, finds himself caught between warring factions within his own tribe and the relentless expansionist policies of the Americans. He navigates complex political alliances, struggling to protect his people from violence and displacement. His wisdom and leadership are constantly tested by the escalating tensions, culminating in his tragic assassination, a pivotal event that irrevocably alters the course of Shawnee history.

Elakhawa, shaped by his father's legacy and the harsh realities of the encroaching frontier, embodies the conflict between adapting to the changing world and preserving his cultural heritage. He witnesses the devastating effects of westward expansion firsthand – the destruction of his homelands, the forced removal of his people, and the erosion of their traditional way of life. His journey is one of personal growth and profound loss, forcing him to confront the complexities of identity and survival in a world increasingly hostile to his people.

Tenskwatawa, initially overshadowed by her brother Tecumseh's burgeoning political power, exerts a significant influence through her prophetic visions and spiritual leadership. She becomes a powerful voice for resistance, inspiring her people with a message of revitalization and a return to traditional Shawnee ways. Her spiritual influence strengthens the resolve of her people in the face of overwhelming odds, offering a powerful counterpoint to the despair and fragmentation that plague them.

The overarching theme is the devastating impact of colonization on indigenous populations. The novel highlights the brutal displacement, the cultural destruction, and the moral compromises forced upon the Shawnee. It explores the complexities of intercultural relations, examining both the acts of violence and the attempts at peaceful coexistence. Through the intertwined fates of Cornstalk, Elakhawa, and Tenskwatawa, Thom paints a moving and powerful portrait of a people fighting to preserve their identity and their land in the face of overwhelming adversity. The "river" serves as a potent metaphor for the constant flow of change, migration, and ultimately, the relentless march of history.