New Yesterdays: An Alternate History Explored

Discover New Yesterdays by Jim L. Wright: A Journey Through a Reimagined History

Dear readers,

This month, we’re thrilled to highlight New Yesterdays by Jim L. Wright, a captivating piece of historical fiction that explores an unforgettable alternate history rooted in resilience, identity, and the power of friendship. Now available on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats, New Yesterdays takes us on a journey that will change how you think about history and the forces that shape it.

A Fresh Take on “What If”

New Yesterdays begins with a unique premise: what if the Cherokee and Seminole nations could establish their own sovereign states in the early 19th century? Wright dives into this alternate history with incredible authenticity, painting a world where Indigenous leaders and warriors succeed in defending their lands and securing their independence in the American South. Against the backdrop of pre-Civil War America, Wright takes readers through the creation of two new nations, Unalii and Chuluata—territories carved out of the familiar landscape of the South.

With rich descriptions and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, Wright doesn’t just offer a revisionist history but rather an immersive experience that respects and celebrates the diverse societies of the Cherokee and Seminole people. This isn’t just a reimagination; it’s a tribute to the endurance and bravery of Indigenous communities.

Meet the Characters Who Carry This Story

The book’s protagonist, Jim, is a young boy who, through a series of unexpected events, finds himself transported into the past. He becomes an unlikely bridge between two worlds, carrying knowledge from the future that offers his new Cherokee friends both hope and strategy. Jim’s character development is profound, as he grapples with his modern sensibilities while learning to respect and adopt the ways of his new family and friends. His journey is especially marked by his deep friendship with Dustu, a young Cherokee boy, and his bond with the wise Adahy, a respected village elder.

One of the book’s most impressive achievements is how it tackles Jim’s inner conflict between staying with his newfound family or returning to his original timeline. His struggle with identity, belonging, and purpose adds depth to the plot, and Wright expertly uses this to explore broader themes about community, loyalty, and the sacrifices necessary for freedom.

Action, Adventure, and the Clash of Cultures

From military strategy to intense battle scenes, New Yesterdays is filled with pulse-pounding moments that highlight the tension between the Indigenous nations and the encroaching settlers. The battles for control of key cities, including Savannah and Charleston, are described with meticulous detail. Wright captures the strategies, bravery, and losses on both sides, demonstrating the complex reality of a war fought not just over land but also over identity and survival.

Wright does not shy away from showing the complexities of the Indigenous response to European expansion, nor does he simplify the motives of either side. Instead, New Yesterdays offers a nuanced view of how history could have played out differently, making us ponder the cost of conquest and the resilience of the human spirit.

A World Reborn: Unalii and Chuluata

As the Cherokee and Seminole establish Unalii and Chuluata, they lay the foundation for societies that honor their traditions while adapting to new challenges. Wright paints an intriguing picture of a self-sustaining Indigenous economy, with plantations repurposed to benefit the new nation and cotton exports fueling development. Factories spring up, and new infrastructures are built, creating a modern economy that challenges the status quo.

Wright’s attention to detail extends to the political structure of these new nations. He creates a compelling look at governance that blends Cherokee and Seminole traditions with elements inspired by the United States Constitution. The visionary leadership of John Ross, who becomes Unalii’s first president, reflects the community’s dedication to self-determination and justice. This unique government model allows readers to glimpse an Indigenous society built on cooperation, equality, and respect for the environment—values that resonate today.

Uncover the Treaty That Redefined Boundaries

One of the most stirring parts of the book is the Treaty of Peace between the United States and the new Cherokee and Seminole nations, which marks the end of the conflict and the beginning of a fragile peace. This treaty, detailed in the closing chapters, represents a vision for coexistence, with the nations of Unalii and Chuluata gaining full sovereignty over the territories of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Wright’s portrayal of the tense negotiations brings readers to the edge of their seats, as they realize the weight of history shifting beneath the characters’ feet.

Themes That Resonate Beyond History

At its core, New Yesterdays is about legacy, courage, and the choice to embrace new paths even when they diverge from history. It raises vital questions about the cost of assimilation, the preservation of cultural identity, and the importance of mutual respect between diverse societies. Jim L. Wright has not just crafted a thrilling historical fiction novel but a thoughtful meditation on how cultures interact and shape one another, inviting us to look beyond “what was” to imagine “what could have been.”

A Book You’ll Remember Long After the Last Page

New Yesterdays is more than a book—it’s a reimagining of the American South, an homage to Indigenous cultures, and a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. With vivid prose and unforgettable characters, Wright invites readers to lose themselves in a world where history takes a different turn. This is a journey that will keep you thinking, long after you’ve closed the book.

Ready to dive into this unforgettable story? New Yesterdays is available now on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats. Grab your copy today and explore a world of courage, conflict, and unity that redefines what it means to fight for freedom.

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About Ol' Big Jim

Jim L Wright has been a storekeeper, an embalmer, a hospital orderly, and a pathology medical coder, and through it all, a teller of tall tales. Many of his stories, like his first book, New Yesterdays, are set in his hometown of Piedmont, Alabama. For seven years he lived in the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Amman, Jordan where he spent his time trying to visit every one of the thousands of Ammani coffee shops and scribbling in his ever-present notebook. These days he and his husband, Zeek, live in a cozy little house in Leeds, Alabama. He’s still scribbling in his notebooks when he isn’t gardening or refinishing a lovely bit of furniture. His book, New Yesterdays, can be found at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.
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1 Response to New Yesterdays: An Alternate History Explored

  1. This is a great description of your fantastic book, Jim.

    Liked by 1 person

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