A Land Remembered

The character I chose from A Land Remembered is Toby. Toby is the half brother of Sol with Zech being their same father yet Tawanda being Toby’s mother and Glenda being Sol’s mother. Toby relates to the environment since Toby grew up in an Indian village where, in order to survive, all they had was the natural world around them. Also, Toby and the Indian villagers were taught to appreciate the land and not take it for granted as it is here for everyone to use. I think Toby feels a sense of place right in his own village since not only is it the place where he grew up but also where he feels most at home and comfortable living the way that he does. For example, when Zech gives Toby a Winchester rifle and a hunting knife I think Toby feels grateful for receiving such wonderful gifts; however, Toby does not end up using them when he teaches Zech how to fish with a spear since that is not what he is accustomed to. 

Growing up, Toby was ridiculed by other children because of his white father but respected by adults due to his MacIvey blood within him. Because of this, I think one of the legacies that Toby will leave behind is that it does not necessarily matter what you look like but rather who you are as a person. Toby happily marries Minnie; has three children and becomes the village chief while his half brother Sol has other plans. After his father’s death, Sol becomes power hungry to a point where all he cares about is leaving a mark with his money. His strong obsession for domination and greed drives him into a depressive state of control and he ends up ruining the forest.

Toby comes to hate Sol after what he has done and decides to avoid all contact with Sol for almost half a century. This goes to show Toby’s strong love of nature and how much of a role model he is for his kids. His children will look back on the legacy of no matter who the person is or what connections you may have with the person, if they destroy something that is precious to you, it should not be tolerated which he has left for them. I believe the main reason I picked Toby is because of who he is. Toby did not have an easy life with Zech not being around much in his life to his mother dying at such a young age and even suffering within his own community because he looked different. All the more so, Toby maintained his pride, honor and sanity no matter what trouble he came face to face with.

Map of Florida in A Land Remembered

Picture of the MacIvey's in A Land Remembered

Patrick Smith, author of A Land Remembered