The Red Man's Revenge: A Tale of The Red River Flood

"The Red Man's Revenge: A Tale of The Red River Flood" by R. M. Ballantyne is a historical novel that presents the struggles of settlers residing near the Red River, especially when up against the devastating flood of 1826, along with a side story concerning a kidnapping perpetrated by a Native American named Petanawaquat. The story focuses on the interactions among the settlers, including Samuel Ravenshaw and his kin, providing a snapshot of frontier life in Canada, while also introducing themes of survival, cultural conflict, and exploration of human nature under pressure. It begins with Samuel Ravenshaw and his family residing on the banks of the Red River in the middle of a rough winter, and characterized as a proud man, especially proud of his daughter Elsie's beauty; this sets the stage for the narrative as his son, Victor, gets ready for a shooting match with his buddies. The sudden appearance of Petanawaquat sparks the rising tension between the settlers and the locals, hinting at upcoming conflict rooted in cultural disagreements.