James and Marion Applegate
Symphony of Spirits sings the often forgotten songs of the Lenni Lenape’s anguish and joys. Snapping Turtle lives near the mouth of the Delaware River in early Seventeenth Century America. His wife’s death destroyed his will to live even breaking the bond with the rest of his family. As this story begins his grandson, Osprey, rebuilds their relationship just before their world is overturned.
A sudden deadly attack on their village forces Snapping Turtle and Osprey to pursue, Gamek, the most evil person they have ever encountered. Saving the women turns out to be only one of their problems. To help them survive the ordeal, wilderness spirits and dreams comfort and guide them.
Jim and Marion Applegate earned their degrees in the Midwest from the University of Dubugue and Rockford College. As English teachers they shared their love of language with their students until retiring in 1998. Throughout their careers they have both enjoyed writing with students and colleagues. Peninsula Writers of Michigan has published their poems, essays and short stories.
Born and raised in Watchung, New Jersey, they grew up exploring the beauty and mystery of the coastal beaches and inland forests where Delaware Indians lived before the settlers arrived. Family letters passed down to Marion inspired them to research and write historical fiction about the society of the Native Americans who saved her ancestor’s life in 1643.
