Ponce is a story told through two different view points. We have Ponce and Juarez giving their perspectives on this adventure. I liked that this is told with moments that made me laugh, and yet, I also took time to consider the statement that opens the book.
“History is written by the winners.”
We’ve all heard this statement, and this story really had me considering the truth of it. How many stories do we not get to hear? It was fun to read this and get some new potential views. It was a quick read at just 164 pages. The concise page count and the fast-paced story made this read fly by! I think this is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction told in a satirical voice!
Where to Find This Book:
What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth
For the most part, history is written by the winners. That includes most accounts depicting the conquests of the New World. Most records and artifacts of Native Americans were destroyed by the conquistadors to complete their total dominance in the new lands. Occasionally, historians working with native populations piece together some lost archives, but those examples are few and far between.
Until students found the original hand written notes by Ponce De Leon’s chronicler, the world could only piece together unfounded summaries of the events at the Fountain of Youth. The only documented facts of the second foray into Florida detailed Ponce’s death upon his return.
Now we can relive one of the short-lived victories of Native Americans over the Spanish conquistadors. Catch a glimpse into the culture and lives of Florida’s native population; how they lived in a land of plenty, how they adopted horses into their lives, and how the outfoxed the mighty Spaniards.
Not all history was written by the winners.
Just the Facts:
Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halveron
Genre: Satire / Historical Fiction
Page Count: 164 pages
Publisher: Gail Force Publishing
Pub Date: November 2, 2021
Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA and received his MBA from Golden Gate University. He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology. He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect. Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA.
Author Links: website ~ goodreads
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I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
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