Description
Book SynopsisAdapted for the Paramount+ miniseries Lawmen: Bass Reeves, directed by Taylor Sheridan and starring David Oyelowo
2022 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist for Western Fiction
2021 Phillip H. McMath Post Publication Book Award Finalist for Prose
2021 International Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society Book Award for Historical Fiction in Event/Era
2021 Oklahoma Book Award Finalist for Fictionfrom the Oklahoma Center for the Book
2021 Will Rogers Medallion Book Award Finalist for Western Fiction
2021 Spur Award Finalist for Historical Novel from the Western Writers of America
2021 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist for Historical Fiction (Pre 1900s)
2020 Arkansas Gem from the Arkansas Center for the Book
2021 Peacemaker Award Finalist for Best First Novel
2021 Indie Book Award Finalist for Historical Fiction
Follow the Angels, Follow the Doves is an origin story in the true American tra
Trade Review
"Thompson's short novel is a fascinating look at life in northwest Arkansas in the years before and during the Civil War, when the future lawman came of age and ultimately made his break for freedom. The rest of the trilogy is likely to be just as intriguing, especially because that's the way the real Bass Reeves lived his life."—Glen Seeber, Oklahoman
"Reeves shines . . . . Many a good novel has at its core a spiritual crisis, and readers will experience a great one here . . . masterful trilogy."—John Mort, Clarion-Ledger
“Fearless and unflinching, Follow the Angels, Follow the Doves is a magnificent work of historical fiction. The characters and the times in which they lived are intensely and beautifully realized, and every line rings with authenticity. . . . Its truths are ever so urgent.”—Steve Yarbrough, author of The Unmade World: A Novel
“Sidney Thompson has the ability to pull you into the narrative and give you a glimpse of the antebellum life of a young slave destined for greatness as a lawman. . . . Highly recommended.”—Art T. Burton, author of Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves
“This novel, like all the best historical fiction, reminds us that the most memorable events in our history happened in specific minutes, hours, and days to individuals every bit as complicated and contradictory as you or me.”—Susan Perabo, author of The Fall of Lisa Bellow: A Novel
“Thompson’s historical novel delivers an unforgettable character based on a true American hero. . . . A believable coming-of-age story that echoes Huckleberry Finn in its realism and social observation.”—Michael Ray Taylor, Commercial Appeal
Table of Contents
Note on Language
Part 1. Genesis
1. Bass Reeves
2. Shoo
3. Peas in a Pod
4. Ice
5. Books
6. The Pussytoes
7. The Wallows
8. Friends
Part 2. Exodus
9. The Sticks
10. A Good One
11. A Sire Mule
12. The Bottle
13. Rub
14. Cracker King
15. Crumbs and Raindrops
Part 3. That Heaven Place
16. The Seed
17. What a N—— Wants
18. A Revelation
19. The Quiet Places
20. Walpurgisnacht
21. Now That There’s Space
22. Closer
23. A Little Red Church
24. Left
25. Thataway
Acknowledgments
