New collection of stories and poems focus on the Amerindian oral tradition

If readers go on-line they can find video and film documentaries highlighting issues like the destruction of the rainforest, home of the indigenous people of South America. Now readers can also go on-line and find an added bonus – a book by Doris Harper-Wills: “The Wings of Iere: Amerindian Legends and Melodies” (published by Trafford Publishing). Her focus is on the wee magical hummingbird of the South American rainforest, whom she calls Iere. Iere flies backwards into the past to bring stories and tunes from the Amerindian oral tradition tweaked and adapted for present day readers of all ages. “The stories,” notes Harper-Wills, “include, ‘Legend of Okonorote,’ how the first people came to Earth (Guyana); ‘Legend of Raincloud,’ how the rainforest happened (Guyana); and, ‘Legend of the Lake,’ how tar got on the road (Trinidad).” “The Wings of Iere: Amerindian Legends and Melodies” is replete with illustrated information on the Amerindians of Guyana, the Hummingbird and the Caribbean Islands. It is narrated in an innovative style, inviting repetitive and rhythmic reader participation. The legends are cross-cultural. In the “Legend of Raincloud,” the Greek hermaphrodite star Hesperus/Venus converses with the Amerindian maiden Raincloud whose chariot has the Latin name Nimbus. In the “Legend of Mychoppa” the two formidable Greek characters that transmigrated are overcome with gluttony for the food and drink served by Orehu, the Amerindian Water Mother and her Singing Mermaids. Every story is like a fable with lessons to learn: Do not covet thy neighbour’s goods; obsessions with possessions can destroy you and benefit others (Okonorote); every cloud has a silver lining; it’s an ill-wind that blows nobody any good (Raincloud); whom the gods wish to destroy, they first torture (Amalivaca); the course of true love never runs smooth; true love is more than biting time can sever (Mychoppa); he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Ole Kaie); and, the wages of sin (killing, greed, gluttony…etc.) is death. (Legend of the Lake) “The Wings of Iere” has been described as: “Quite a beautiful book…the renditions of the myths, words and music…the illustrations add to the beauty of the layout and print.”         Jacqueline de Weever, Professor Emerita of Brooklyn College “An essential resource for every primary and secondary school with a culturally diverse intake.” John Craddock, Language Teacher in London Source: PRWEB