WATCH FOR ME ON THE MOUNTAIN

A novelized life of the great Apache chief Geronimo, built on ""oral history"" by the author of the Josey Wales novels, Gone to Texas and Outlaw Josey Wales. Carter's version of the much-told life story does not hit its stride until the third chapter, but then it takes on considerable texture, especially when ""the Power"" begins speaking directly to Geronimo much as Jehovah gave the Word to Moses on the mountain. This is the backbone of the book--a strong projection of Geronimo's belief that he has descended from a higher life at his own request and has become a ""shadow mind in a shadow body"" in order to perfect his spirit among the horrific exigencies of earth-life. Behind his vast iron demeanor he is forever weighing the wishes and intentions of the Power, so there is little peace in his life down in Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona. He and his people are either in flight or taking revenge on a Mexican village or a band of army troops. And his most terrible inner temperings take place when his first wife and children are massacred by Mexican troops, and yet again when his sister is about to die in childbirth. With nothing to lose but honor, he ""surrenders"" several times (but only to regroup his forces) and winds up in Wild West shows. History played for tragedy--less than totally enthralling or convincing but vivid, richly colored, and often fiercely effective.