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Étienne Brûlé

the Mysterious Life and Times of An Early Canadian Legend
rb3221
Apr 02, 2015rb3221 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Having left no writings of his own, there is much conjecture and mystery about Brule's life and travels but this brief book provides an overview of his life and travels but in my opinion provides no new information. He lived with the Hurons, fully participating in their lives including fishing, hunting and even torture rituals. He traveled widely through lands never yet seen by any European and became a valued interpreter and scout for Champlain. But he was not liked by the Franciscan missionaries (nor eventually by Champlain) because he freely adopted too many of the Native rituals and morals. As well many feel he betrayed Champlain because he eventually worked for both Champlain and the English fur merchants. After 20 years of living with the Hurons, he was killed by them for reasons that remain unresolved. A simple easy to read book about Brule, the unparalleled adventurer (but perhaps better suited under the Library's Junior designation).