Step into the vibrant world of the Real People series, where the heartbeat of Cherokee history pulses through every page! Written by acclaimed Cherokee author Robert J. Conley, this groundbreaking collection of ten novels weaves gripping tales of courage, tradition, and survival, offering a rare Native American perspective on historical fiction. From ancient priests to fierce warriors, the series captures the soul of the Cherokee Nation with authenticity and flair.
Conley’s work isn’t just storytelling—it’s a cultural treasure. Praised by figures like Wilma P. Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the Real People series invites readers to explore a rich tapestry of mythology, resilience, and human spirit. Ready to journey through time with the Cherokee? Let’s dive in!
How Real People Began
Born in Cushing, Oklahoma, in 1940, Robert J. Conley was a proud member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. His passion for preserving Cherokee heritage fueled the creation of the Real People series, which began with The Way of the Priests in 1992. Frustrated by misrepresentation in Western narratives, Conley crafted stories rooted in Cherokee oral traditions, history, and folklore, breaking new ground as one of the first Native American authors to lead a Western series with indigenous protagonists.
Conley’s inspiration stemmed from his deep connection to his people, whom the Cherokee call 'The Real People' in their native tongue. His academic background, including a master’s in English, and roles like Assistant Programs Manager for the Cherokee Nation, shaped his vivid, authentic storytelling. The series became a love letter to his heritage, blending meticulous research with page-turning drama.
The Heart of Real People
The Real People series spans centuries, chronicling the Cherokee Nation’s triumphs and struggles. The Way of the Priests, the first novel, dives into a 16th-century tale of powerful priests who fall to greed, sparking a rebellion led by the people. The Dark Island, the sixth book and a 1995 Spur Award winner, follows Asquani, a young man torn between joining Spanish invaders or defending his Cherokee homeland. Cherokee Dragon, the tenth novel, explores the life of Dragging Canoe, the last great Cherokee war chief, as he battles encroaching settlers in the late 18th century.
Themes of cultural preservation, resistance, and identity weave through the series. Conley’s vivid prose paints the Cherokee’s complex social structures—where women held significant power, owning homes and fighting alongside men—with a distinctly indigenous lens. Unlike typical Westerns, the stories sidestep European perspectives, focusing on Cherokee spirituality, mythology, and resilience against colonization. Each novel is a compact, thrilling ride, blending historical accuracy with the oral storytelling flair of Cherokee tradition.
The series’ settings, from ancient Southeastern forests to battlegrounds of the American Revolution, immerse readers in a world where spirits and reality intertwine. Conley’s ability to craft compelling characters, like the aging priest Deadwood Lighter in The Long Way Home, keeps readers hooked while honoring Cherokee history.
Why Real People Resonates
The Real People series redefined Native American literature, earning Conley multiple Spur Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas. By centering Cherokee voices, Conley challenged stereotypes and brought indigenous narratives to mainstream audiences. His work remains a vital resource for understanding Cherokee culture, inspiring readers and writers to explore Native perspectives.
Today, the series endures as a testament to resilience, appealing to fans of historical fiction and those eager to uncover authentic Native American stories. Its blend of adventure, heritage, and heart ensures its place as a literary gem, celebrated for both its cultural impact and storytelling prowess.
- First Published: 1992 (The Way of the Priests)
- Number of Books: 10
- Notable Award: 1995 Spur Award for The Dark Island
- Author’s Heritage: Enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
Dust off your reading list and grab The Way of the Priests to embark on a thrilling journey through the Real People’s world! With Conley as your guide, the Cherokee Nation’s vibrant history awaits.