Citizens Creek

A Novel

By: Lalita Tademy

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin, J. D. Jackson

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author of the Oprah Book Club Pick Cane River brings us the evocative story of a once-enslaved man who buys his freedom after serving as a translator during the American Indian Wars, and his granddaughter, who sustains his legacy of courage.

Cow Tom, born into slavery in Alabama in 1810 and sold to a Creek Indian chief before his 10th birthday, possessed an extraordinary gift: the ability to master languages. As the new country developed westward, and Indians, settlers, and blacks came into constant contact, Cow Tom became a key translator for his Creek master and was hired out to US military generals. His talent earned him money - but would it also grant him freedom? And what would become of him and his family in the aftermath of the Civil War and the Indian Removal westward?

Cow Tom's legacy lives on - especially in the courageous spirit of his granddaughter Rose. She rises to leadership of the family as they struggle against political and societal hostility intent on keeping blacks and Indians oppressed. But through it all, her grandfather's indelible mark of courage inspires her - in mind, in spirit, and in a family legacy that never dies.

Written in two parts portraying the parallel lives of Cow Tom and Rose, Citizens Creek is a beautifully rendered novel that takes the listener deep into a little known chapter of American history. It is a breathtaking tale of identity, community, family - and above all, the power of an individual's will to make a difference.

©2014 Lalita Tademy (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"JD Jackson, telling Tom's story, and Bahni Turpin, relating Rose's, both deliver exquisite performances that immerse the listener in the characters. Jackson's careful diction adds emotional power to his portrayal of Cow Tom. Turpin paces Rose's story in a way that highlights the struggles and triumphs of an amazing, resilient family." ( AudioFile)

Who Knew Native Americans Owned Slaves?

If you could sum up Citizens Creek in three words, what would they be?

Important Captivating Eye-opening

What other book might you compare Citizens Creek to and why?

I have read all three of Latilda Tademy's novels and recommend each highly. They are a unique offering in the sense that the author researched her family and the characters are based on real people who survived and thrived through slavery and Jim Crow America.

So, no comparison comes to mind.

What about Bahni Turpin and J. D. Jackson ’s performance did you like?

Both did an excellent job of portraying Cow Tom and his granddaughter.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Found it difficult to stop listening. The histories are too long for one sitting. Too much to digest -- too much territory covered.

Any additional comments?

Citizens Creek is Tademy's third novel. She spends up to three years researching the period, her subjects, their dialect, customs. The characters of Citizens Creek are real people who lived during slavery and in the period leading up to the Civil War, Emancipation, and the early 1900s. The novel begins with Cow Tom, born a slave in 1810, owned previously by a Southern Plantation owner, and then the Creek nation, separated from his mother at a young age. He ultimately "bought" his freedom and emerged as the first Black Chief of the Creek Nation due to his considerable leadership skills and linguistic gifts. His mother advised he was special and would do great things; he in turned said as much to his granddaughter Rose. They were both propelled to live up to their legacies.

I found this a beautifully told, fascinating story. I was introduced to an episode of American History I knew little about -- that Indian tribes owned slaves, the horror of the treatment of the Indians at the hand of the US military and government, the very tough lives they and their slaves endured.

Not as good as I thought it would be

I love Lalita Tademy's previous novels. This one however was long and drawn out. There were little tiny sparks of hope when the story would pick up the pace and then it would turn back into same song different verse times 100. 15 hours honestly felt like 1,000 with this one.

I loved Cane River this was such a disappointment

the story was a very boring the names were very weird I couldn't even get into it I've tried four or five times and it is literally the worst book I've ever listened to very disappointing because I know this author can write much better than this. Cane River is one of the best books ever written and this one's clear at the other end of the spectrum

One of the most beautiful books I've ever read

I love historical fiction and Lalita Tademy truly is a master of her art. It's beautifully written and she created characters that I wanted to meet and spend time with....all of them. It's a wonderful vehicle for telling a bit of this period in history.

Very interesting unknown history of our country.

Very interesting unknown history of our country.

Very interesting unknown history of our country.

Very interesting unknown history of our country.

It was a very deep and informative book.

Yes, this book met my expectations. I knew little of the complexity of the Black and Indian struggle. don’t think the writing style took anything away from Lalita Tademy made Cow Tom’s story have the weight needed to explain the beginnings and the desire to strive ahead and succeed against all odds. The fact that he knew so many languages and was such a caring person brought value to me. Lalita really had me at the edge of my chair after Rose’s story began, maybe because I like history from a woman’s perspective – the book really came alive in Part 2 and 3.

Citizens Creek

OUTSTANDING!
This book is by far the best book I have read or should I say reread for this is my second time reading. I love the book from start to finish how well it is written and the incredible story it tells.
CowTom, 👏🏾👏🏾what an incredible man; his great family, name-by-name, all hold a special place in my heart. Their abilities and skills that kept them in forward motion is nothing short of miraculous. But it’s Rose Simmons who exhibits so much for me. She carried strength of many women I have come to know during my life. Her husband, Jake, disputes everything in between, he was her strong post on which she needed. But, it’s the spirit of CowTom that set the gage.
This book is by far one of my top 8 of all times. Mrs. Lalita Tedamy is an outstanding writer. Her diligence and carefulness spills over into each chapter. I thankful to her for allowing me to peer into areas and parts of the mid-1800 thru the 1900s and feel I was there.
Bravo!! 👏🏾❤️👏🏾

Hmmmmmmmm

Such a good first 1st half of the book, much detail. 2nd half jumped the years quickly. Overall a really good story. Was glad to hear the author notes at the end so don't miss this. I think it would have been helpful to know this at the beginning. We really did enjoy this book and the narrators were excellent!

Too long - needed editing

The stories of Cow Tom and Rose taught me a lot about Creek owned slaves and Freedman Creeks. I also learned a lot about the treatment of many of the Native American nations/tribes by the US government and the treatment of black Native Americans by their fellow tribe members. However, I was not a fan of the writing. Much of the book was very boring. The author researched the story fully but did not do such a thorough job with crafting the storyline.

zzzzzz....zzzzzzzz.....you mean it's still going!?

Yeah it's a no for me dawg. NO. Just no.... Just. No. I loved her first book, Cane River. These last 2 were not for me. Ten hours in I just marked it finished and moved on. Lord knows I tried. Hope you enjoy it!