Warrior Woman

More about the book

Warrior Woman tells the story of Lozen, sister of the renowned Apache warrior Victorio, and a formidable warrior herself. Her narrative is often overlooked in Native American history, primarily conveyed through generations of stories and legends. It is said she possessed supernatural abilities granted by the gods, allowing her to sense the direction and distance of enemies by feeling the heat in her palms. Regardless of the truth of these tales, she fought valiantly alongside Geronimo during the Apache wars until her capture, when she and her people were imprisoned and transported east, where she spent her final days. Peter Aleshire meticulously weaves historical facts and oral histories to portray her life. He details her childhood amidst the vastness of nature and the Chiricahua legends that influenced her. The book highlights her coming-of-age ceremonies and her emergence as a spiritual leader within her tribe. As white settlers encroached on her people's land, Lozen's role transformed into that of a fierce warrior—an extraordinary position for a woman in 19th-century Native American society, where women typically remained with children in villages. This narrative not only chronicles Lozen's life but also reflects the broader story of her people, tracing the events leading up to the Apache Wars and their tragic conclusion.