Chiquita, an American Novel: The Romance of a Ute Chief's Daughter

by Merrill Tileston

"Chiquita, an American Novel: The Romance of a Ute Chief's Daughter" by Merrill Tileston is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of culture clash and identity through the eyes of Jack Sheppard, a young man navigating life on the American frontier. The story is set against the backdrop of Ute Indian culture and the challenges faced during the encroachment of settlers and trappers into their lands, with a focus on the character Chiquita, the daughter of a Ute chief. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Jack Sheppard, who is born in a quaint New England setting but eventually finds himself in the rugged landscape of the American West. He grows up amid charm and simplicity, influenced by the virtues of self-reliance and integrity instilled by his family. As he matures, Jack becomes part of the wilderness life, ultimately learning about the complexities of Indigenous cultures, particularly through his interactions with Yamanatz and his daughter, Chiquita. The opening chapters set the stage for Jack's journey of self-discovery and the impending challenges posed by both external threats and personal relationships shaped by the clashing worlds of settlers and Native Americans.