YAQUI a story by William Witney. Published 2014.
An action-packed adventure from cover to cover, ‘Yaqui’ reads just like a screenplay that is reminiscent of film director William Witney’s cliffhanger serials, which delighted audiences, week after week, at movie theaters in the 30s and 40s. This historical fiction, loosely based on actual people and events, is set in the late 1800s, at a time when Mexicans and Yaqui Indians were fighting to the death over the rights to the lush farmland of the Yaqui River Valley. The hero of the story is Cajeme – “he who can go without water” – a proud, God-fearing Yaqui Indian, who for the past 15 years has served as a trustworthy and respected scout in the Mexican Army. Although considered a traitor by his own people, he persuades the Mexican authorities to appoint him Chief of the Yaquis as a way of achieving peace but then, when the Government breaks faith, he uses everything he has learned about this Mexican oppressor to his advantage and seizes the opportunity to win back the trust of his people and fight for the independence and very survival of the Yaqui Nation. The unique landscape of the Mexican State of Sonora, with its sleepy towns, busy seaport cities, arid deserts and majestic mountains provides the backdrop for a kaleidoscope of thrilling action sequences. Feelings of love, hate, betrayal and revenge are all brought to the fore over the course of a series of battles, which highlight Cajeme’s cunning and daring – battles fought on land, at sea and on horseback with knife, bayonet, rifle, lance, dynamite and cannon - until both sides are brought to their knees and the bargaining table by a force over which neither has any control, but which ultimately leads to salvation for both Cajeme and the Yaqui people. Author William Witney’s love of animals, history and life south of the border are all reflected in this high-energy story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next - just like those movies of yesteryear, which kept fans coming back for more every Saturday afternoon!
