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Reviews for Life of the Eagle Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on December 5, 2004 - Crystal Reviews What would it be like to live forever? He was a child when he learned about his gift and he was over 200 years old when he learned its secret! So begins this unique tale of a man with the gift of healing; but it's a rather uncontrolled gift because every time he uses what he thinks is the gift of longevity, the receiver dies! How can this be? The narrator describes the main character's, who changes his name and address every twenty or thirty years, journey through the chief historical events occurring between 1737 and the late 1960s. During that time, he forges special but brief relationships, however his adventures span the length of history. Meet George Washington, a man who encourages his soldiers to fight and forge ahead in the cruelest of weather conditions. Experience the horror of a slave ship bound for America but leaving behind a scarred, addicted young man whose character is indelibly shaped by his discovery of just how far one human being will fall into the pit of cruelty and immorality. Meet an African-American healer, named Titus, who will save this emotionally distraught young man from his own devils and memories. Rejoice when he finds love and marriage with two Shawnee woman, one who is the love of his life but who dies after he shares his gift in trying to save her; share his outrage and murderous response. Live the life of a "mountain man" and know what it is like to depend upon nature for one's food but also to appreciate the grandeur of the American West as its pioneer adventurers seek fortune and fame. Get to know Sylvia, a feelingless temptress who becomes one of the largest financiers in America and until her death remains attached to our hero. Feel and envision the horrors of the Sharpsburg battle during the Civil War and discover the kindnesses that Confederate and Union men and woman share in the midst of their mission to kill each other. Discover how our hero seeks the thrill of battle and perhaps even death through Europe in two World Wars only to seek more in Korea and Vietnam. While one might be tempted to say, "Oh I've read all about that," one should stop and read this book for its presentation of personalities has a robust yet compassionate quality that is absolutely mesmerizing. Every sense you have will be awakened in every section, including some rousing sexual and military scenes. The solution to the mystery haunting its pages is simple but profound! This is a novel that should receive a large audience. Richard L. Evans is a very talented writer and this reviewer hopes he continues to share his "gift" of very creative prose.
Review from Jake George, Author of Grandfather's Song Richard Evans shows us a world from one man’s eye that is truly magnificent. We see our American history through the eyes of one man who lived during the past two-hundred plus years. The history is real, the emotion, genuine, my reaction to the words on the page, heartfelt. Mr. Evans did a superb job of linking the past three-hundred years through the life and eyes of one man. Attentions to detail of periods of history were dead-on, and the research that went into all the eras, described in The Life of the Eagle had to be daunting. As a writer of alternative fiction myself, I appreciate the effort that Mr. Evans went to, to provide such accurate accountings of life through the different centuries. This book would be of interest to history buffs, military enthusiasts and those in the medical profession. All are historically chronicled accurately and in a well-prepared novel that should find its way to the must read list of any reader who enjoys a well-written book. This is a book I will read more than once and still find new nuances with each read. Outstanding.
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