Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma
By Camilla Townsend
Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma is a compelling biography that details the life of Pocahontas and the period which she lived. Written by Camilla Townsend, which was an associate professor of history at Colgate University in New York, this book separates the facts from the mythology that surrounds this vibrant woman. The daughter of King Powhatan, Pocahontas was able to cross the boundary between Native American Culture and the culture of English invaders. Her life's history tells about this potent noblewoman as it does about the two cultures in which lived her life. Townsend takes a new look at a woman who has been the focus of many books, movies, and legend. In writing this book, Townsend has tried to describe Pocahontas’ life the way she might have described it. Into this history, she also interweaves the events, and political machinations that were endemic to the “New World.” She also described the ambitions and…show more content… Pocahontas was a strong woman who found out how to live in two different cultures. She was the person were people could look to her for guidance and wisdom. This book not only talks about her but her people and their struggle for independence in the changing world during the time. Pocahontas was also a brave and intelligent woman who sacrificed a lot for her people. Townsend also mentions in the book how the Powhatans and other Native Americans were not savages but wise people who knew how to defeat their enemies with the weapons they had. She shows through engagement and resistance that the Native Americans were able to maintain their independence. The author gave Pocahontas a very independent life within her own nation and outside it. In conclusion, Townsend describes Pocahontas in this book as a powerful and independent woman who worked for her people's best
