The Color of Lightning Summary
Paulette Jiles

The Color of Lightning Overview

The Color of Lightning By Paulette Jiles is a historical novel based upon the legend of a real emancipated Texas frontiersman, Britt Johnson. Beginning at the raid of Elm Creek on October 13, 1864 by hundreds of Comanche and Kiowa warriors, the novel follows Britt’s heroic journey to retrieve his remaining family members who are taken captive. Meanwhile, a Quaker Indian Agent named Samuel Hammond is assigned to temper Comanche and Kiowa violence, ultimately using violence against them when they do not comply. After a second rescue mission, Britt runs his freighting business through Comanche and Kiowa raiding territory, losing his life in a shootout against the Kiowa in early 1871. The Color of Lightning deals with themes of heroism, religion, cultural relativism, identity and race, and violence.