The Healing of Natalie Curtis

Written by Jane Kirkpatrick

Narrated by Leah Horowitz

She came to the West for rest. What she found was a passion.

Classically trained pianist and singer Natalie Curtis can’t seem to recapture the joy that music once brought her. In 1902, her brother invites her to join him in the West to search for healing. What she finds are songs she’d never before encountered—the haunting melodies, rhythms, and stories of Native Americans.
But their music is under attack. The US government’s Code of Offenses prohibits America’s Indigenous people from singing, dancing, or speaking their own languages. Natalie makes it her mission not only to document these songs before they disappear but to appeal to President Teddy Roosevelt himself, who is the only man with the power to repeal the unjust law.

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick weaves a lyrical novel based on a true story that captivates to the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705038949

Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick is the author of twenty books and is a two-time winner of the WILLA Literary Award. Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the Western Heritage Wrangler Award, an honor given to writers such as Barbara Kingsolver and Larry McMurtry. For twenty-six years she "homesteaded" with her husband Jerry on a remote ranch in Eastern Oregon.  She now lives with Jerry, and her two dogs and one cat on small acreage in Central Oregon while she savors the value of friendship over fame.

Reviews for The Healing of Natalie Curtis

[lyndainoregon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Warning: Read this one at your own risk, as it is likely to send you down the rabbit-hole bigtime.Natalie Curtis was a classically-trained musician who became fascinated by the then-forbidden songs of Native Americans. The U.S. government's assimilation policy removed many Native children from their homes and sent them to boarding schools where their native language, music, dances, and religious observances were banned. Curtis finagled a variety of sources, including support from then-president Theodore Roosevelt, to finance a years-long project to collect and record these songs and stories before they disappeared, and to present them in a massive book with illustrations by Native artists.That's the part that will send you down the rabbit hole, since looking for objects and ideas mentioned in passing will lure most curious readers to the computer for a spider-web of searches that will leave Google tattered and smoking.The printed page, however, does a good job of following Natalie as she is introduced to and ultimately immersed in a geography and culture which she had never known. Along the way, this pampered and emotionally delicate musician finds her own strength and her own healing in her quest.Kirkpatrick also handles the delicate notion of where to draw the line between research and appropriation -- a dilemma which Curtis apparently also faced.

[niquetteb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Historical fiction based on the life of pianist and singer Natalie Curtis. I had not previously heard of this woman and felt that Kirkpatrick's rich character and setting descriptions made this book an excellent read.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Healing of Natalie CurtisAuthor: Jane KirkpatrickPages: 368Year: 2021Publisher: RevellMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.The year is 1897. Natalie Curtis is a woman who dedicated her life to the pursuit of a musical career. She was a child prodigy. Her big moment in the spotlight was about to happen when something happens. As a result of this, her musical career is over. She spirals into a deep depression that manifests itself with physical side effects for five years.Her brother George returns to the East from the West in 1902. He was a librarian, but due to his asthma he moved to the West for healing. He returns a changed man. He invites Natalie to join him out west for a time to see if she can also find healing. Her parents are leery about her taking a trip so far away when her health is precarious to say the least. However, Natalie is joyless at home with her parents, so she makes the decision to go with George.Natalie’s life will never be the same. She encounters Native Americans, and their songs are a balm to her soul. She embraces their songs like rain in a parched desert. She also discovers the many injustices the Native Americans endure due to The Code, which among other terrible things doesn’t allow them to sing their songs. If they sing their songs, they are punished. An entire culture is being wiped out, and Natalie decides to do something about it. She will go to the tribes and record their songs, what they mean, their artwork and their names. She will ensure that they will not be forgotten.I thought this book was fantastic! This story is based on a real person. I appreciated so much the author’s notes after the story. I was enraptured by the Native American’s songs, the reason why they sing a particular song and so much more. I learned a lot. The story spoke to my heart. I loved George’s character. He was willing to put his life and dreams on hold to share this journey with his sister. I highly recommend this book; it is one of my favorites for 2021!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book I have read by this author. I enjoyed this one much better. I was drawn to the storyline and the characters.I really enjoyed that Natalie did want to take the time to learn and listen to the Native American's songs. In this way, she viewed them as people and not slaves or indignance people. The way that author, Jane intertwined history with music was lovely. It was like I could hear the songs playing in my head while reading this book. Reading this book, I hope that readers go out and seek to learn more about the actual history of the Native Americans.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoy reading books that are based on true stories. Natalie Curtis makes it her mission to record the songs of the native people out west and to stop the disappearance of this information. She has gone out west to heal and finds healing through the songs of the Native Americans. I really enjoyed learning about this time in history and how she interacted with the people out west and made it her mission to help save their culture and the future of their culture as they assimilate into the ways of the new US.I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love that the books by this author are about real historical people. Natalie loves music and goes out west to find herself and heal from something that happened to her a few years earlier. She falls in love with the music of the Hopi people. She helps to get this music out to the world before it can be destroyed by horrible laws. This book is hard to put down and it really makes you think about how you can help others. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fascinating story! I really like how Jane Kirkpatrick typically writes stories that are based on true historical characters. Natalie Curtis is an incredible woman who was passionate about the indigenous Native Americans. This book contains great depth as Natalie faces great trials, but also develops tenacity as she fights for what she believes in. I enjoyed reading about her personal journey and thought the author did a good job of giving us a fictional perspective of this amazing woman. I did think parts of the story were a little slow and occasionally this read more as non-fiction than fiction, but I think that the book is well written and worth reading. I think that if you like novels that focus on the history and the story, then this book is for you!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[maret5g · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rich storytelling full of music, dance and culture of Indigenous people.Natalie Curtis is an unmarried 26 year old music enthusiast, living with her family and struggling with her heath for over five years. When her brother George comes for a visit from the West, he suggests that Natalie goes back with him in hopes that the climate will help heal her condition. Fascinated by the songs, dances, history and legends of the Indians, the siblings take a journey from one reservation to another exploring lives and traditions of different tribals. Native People’s songs and dances are banned and Natalie fears they will be lost forever. She wants to save these people, their songs, and their traditions. She records everything in her diary, translates songs into English and writes the lyrics for Indian children to remember. All this will be in her first book, The Indians’ Book. Beautiful story based on real events from the early 1900’s. Natalie’s passion for music and fascination in the American’s Indigenous culture is uniquely delivered to the reader. She is a true heroine who fought for the rights and justice for the Indigenous people. I loved the stories of each song for different occasions, the dances, tales and landscape of the West.Interesting and well researched book that historical fiction readers will enjoy.Thank you to Library Thing and the Ravell Books for a copy of this book.

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the book but it did not draw me in. The characters were not very well developed and the plot was slow and dragging. In the end, I was skim reading just to finish the book. I usually enjoy Jane Kirkpatrick books but this was not up to her usual standards.The book started well, and all the history was interesting but it bogged down and was more like reading someone's travel blog. I was also disappointed that this was not more of a Christian book. In fact, if you are looking for a Christian book, you will probably be disappointed. God is rarely mentioned, and I felt that she was approving of Indian rituals as being of God.I give the book 3 out of 5-stars mostly for the depth of the history. If you enjoy clean, history books, you will probably enjoy this book.

[starbritejan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Jane Kirkpatrick's books! This is a story about standing up for oneself and others - persistence in doing what's right ie trying to right a wrong. Lots of adventure in this one. A 5-star!

[eccl-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick is a stand alone novel that takes place in the early 1900's. This is a fictional retelling of Natalie Curtis, a musician who works to preserve the music of the Native Americans. This story also points out the way the Native American's were treated.This is a well written, very descriptive story. I felt like the author was painting the story. I enjoyed the information the author gives of this time and situation in our countries history. I appreciate the research the author has done to write this story in a way that show how our county's laws have affected people. I also enjoy the struggles Natalie endured with losing the passion for music and the strength possessed to move forward with her life and do the work she did. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Revell Reads , this is my honest review.

[brangwinn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While I found this book slow reading, the set-up for the historical background was necessary. Inspired by the real Natalie Curtis in the early 20th century, it is the story of a young woman deemed too delicate to travel who at her renegade brother’s encouragement went to the southwest to discover the art and music of Native Americans. Natalie was a musical prodigy, but her heath made her family assume she would live in her parents’ home forever. Her brother, whose asthma had improved in the dry climate of Arizona asked her to join him there. Not only does she become enthralled with the native cultures she encounters, but she also discovered how the US government’s Code of Offenses makes so much of the cultures illegal. She makes it her mission to preserve their songs and their heritage. She petitions President Theodore Roosevelt, a family friend, to support her cause as she fights for native equality.

[pegmcdaniel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jane Kirkpatrick is not a new author for me. I've read two of her many novels: All She Left Behind and One More River to Cross. So I was happy to get an ARC from the publisher, Revell, via a LibraryThing giveaway. All opinions are my own.This novel is inspirational historical fiction set in the early 1900's out West (New Mexico, California, etc.) Natalie Curtis was a real person who was a renowned ethnomusicologist, American Indian activist and lecturer, a singer and a classical pianist. She worked very hard for many years to preserve the Native Americans' music, customs, food, music, and art.When she found out how the U.S. Government was treating the American Indians, she felt obligated to do something to help them. She even went as far at the White House to get President Roosevelt's help. She wrote a book called The Indians' Book in 1907. She believed her book was written by the Indians and she was just a pencil in their hands.The author did a tremendous amount of research into Natalie Curtis' life and the notes at the end of this novel are very informative and interesting.

[candyh_64 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of the healing powers of music, the arts, the culture of various Native American tribes and Mother Nature in the life of Natalie Curtis. It is so interesting and even more so since it is based on a true story. The story is well written and a great read for those of us who are drawn to Native American history. Thank you LibraryThing for allowing me to read this book.

[ruthiekro · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The healing power of music and the universality of people and cultures are the main themes here. Natalie suffers from depression and anxiety which begin to be assuaged as soon as she sets off on an adventure to the West with her brother. Although she goes despite the traditions of her society. She meets an interesting and engaging cast of characters along the way. She connects with the Native American people's through music, and shares her own with them. In becoming close with the Natives, she is shocked with their treatment by the U.S. Government. That the story is based in truth makes it feel vibrant and alive. Natalie someone you or I would enjoy meeting and her story is a pleasure.

[sherripo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was based on a true story so I felt like I learned a lot while also enjoying the story. It was amazing to learn what one determined woman did for the Indian people. It was heartbreaking to read of the injustices done to the American Indians but also heartwarming to read of their music, dances, pottery, traditions, etc. As I read the book, I could tell that the author had done extensive research for this story.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is stunning. Not only did I learn a lot about the American Indian culture of the 1900s, but I enjoyed seeing the hand of God work his mysterious ways for the good. JK is a gifted storyteller, giving life to characters that feel like neighbors and that are easy to empathize and connect with. The author's notes are also compelling.I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

[beachbaby1124 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What an excellent story filled with song and culture and the cruel reality of how American Indians were and still are treated by our Government. Natalie is heartbroken and to come out of her depression, brother George invites her on a trip to the west where she discovers her life's purpose, capturing the songs and stories among many Indian tribes. Hoping to compile a book so their ancestors always remember song and dance, the music heals Natalie's broken heart and eventually she becomes the woman she always dreamed she could be.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

atalie and her family lived in a nice home with servants in the Boston area. George, the oldest brother and the best friend that Natalie has, just returned from a working trip to the Western States. He wants to take Natalie back to help her heal. She was a trained pianist who had a breakdown just before her debut with the New York Philharmonic. She lost her love of music and has kept herself isolated for the last five years. George thinks that taking her out West for a visit will renew her love of life and her music. Their parents were reluctant for her to make the trip but she felt like at her age - in her late 20s - she could make that decision herself. Her love of music begins to return when she is mesmerized by the music of the Indians. She wants to hear more but at that time, the tribes were not allowed to sing their own songs and rely on their tribal customs. The Indian affairs bureau was trying to make them into Americans. Instead of allowing them to continue following their customs, they were punished if they sang or danced or even spoke their own language. When Natalie hears the music, she knows that it needs to be preserved before it is forgotten so she begins to record the music of various tribes. She becomes a strong advocate on keeping Indian history alive and even meets with the President of the US to get his support. She also wrote a book about her travels and became a popular speaker in the East. She found herself and her love of music again through all of the work she did with the Indians.I haven't read many books about the American Indians in the early 1900s so I found this book very informational and interesting. It went into a lot of detail about the customs of the tribes living in the west - their pottery, their food and mostly their music. It's apparent that the author did considerable research on the subject and presented a story based on real people at a time that the west was changing. Be sure to read the Author's notes at the end to find out about the real people - especially Natalie and her brother George that the book is based on.Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received "The Healing of Natalie Curtis" as an ARC from Revell Books in a LibraryThing giveaway. I am under no obligation to give it a good review.I cannot help myself, however. Jane Kirkpatrick is a fabulous writer. Her prose puts the reader in the circumstances of the era. One is caught up in the emotions of the period telling the good and the bad of that time. The heartbeat of the wonderful, real-life characters pulses throughout the novel as they are caught up in righting wrongs and helping to make life better for others, in this case, the Native Peoples of the West.From a Christian viewpoint, Jane makes many references to God and His sovereignty. I saw in this novel that God allows things to happen for His purposes (which are unknown to us). He also raises up people to bring to light injustices and to work for the good of the affected people. May we all be used as instruments of God's grace to help the hurting.I recommend this book highly. We learn about a woman who uses her God-given talent to help save the culture and song of the different tribes and communities that could have been lost to us. A woman whose tireless work is not in our history books but it should be.