Have I read this before: Nope! I think it was because I could never find a physical copy of the book. But thanks to Kondle, that is no longer an issue! Thanks, Kondle!

Review: So here we have yet another book that needs this disclaimer: there are obvious racial stereotyping issues with the subject matter of this book – namely, the broad “noble savage” treatment that Cooper gives the Native Americans in the story in addition to how most of the Native Americans’ dialogue (when they’re not speaking Delaware) is basically just a bunch of grunts. The Last of the Mohicans was written in 1826, though, and is set in 1757 where these stereotypes were likely considered to be “true,” so that might put it in context, at least. As was the case with Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Gone with the Wind, these issues shouldn’t be dismissed but should be actively considered while reading the book in its context. At least, that’s my opinion.

Anyway. The dramatic difference between Maya Angelou’s writing style (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings being the last book I read) and James Fenimore Cooper’s writing style is serious. It took me a while to get into The Last of the Mohicans because Cooper’s writing is so formal and even and he digs those long-ass sentences that meander on for a whole paragraph. But honestly? Once I got used to it, I kind of liked it. And the story itself is good, too. It jumps into the action quite quickly and remains very solidly an “action” story, despite what the writing style would have you believe.

Favorite part: I’m pretty sure Hawkeye’s gun, Killdeer, is mentioned more than some of the actual main characters. Hell, it’s basically a character all on its own. I think there were a total of like 10 phrases that Hawkeye spoke in which he didn’t mention Killdeer. I find that hilarious.

Rating: 6/10