Michael Schein is a published author, an award-winning poet, a playwright, a teacher and a former trial attorney who enjoys describing history and explaining to the area why it matters.

In his second published novel, “Bones Beneath Our Feet” (Bennett & Hastings Publishing), the Seattle man brings a part of Auburn’s past to life for readers in an engaging way. The historical, lyrical work of fiction explores how the “Boston” tribe of newly arrived American settlers conquered the Puget Sound in the mid-19th century.

The book describes events leading up to, during and following the Puget Sound Indian War of 1855-1856. It recounts the true story of the fierce battle of wills between Nisqually Chief Leschi and Washington Territorial Gov. Isaac Stevens, and the war that followed.

Schein tells his tale with passion and feeling. In the end, all sides share responsibility for and bear the consequences of war-torn territorial gain, existence and settlement.

“Even more succinctly, it is about how we came to occupy this land,” Schein said. “I hope (the reader) gains a deeper appreciation for the land and the people who came before – and are still here.

“It’s good to understand where we came from, how we got here,” he said, “and the book helps you understand that.”

The book, as Schein explains, is not a conventional history, but a page-turning, part-fiction historical novel written as adventure, romance, conflict, intrigue – “all the juice of life squeezed out by the academic histories.”

Schein’s novel blends political intrigue, stormy intermarriage, betrayal, greed, cruelty, kindness and sacrifice.

To tell his story, Schein gets out of the way, putting the reader on the scene during an important part of local history, when settlers clashed with Native American Tribes to settle the lands that comprise today’s regional landscape.

The book includes the conflicts on Connell’s Prairie, the White River Massacre and the Battle of Seattle. Of special interest to Auburnites is the retelling of events leading up to the death of Lt. William Slaughter, the U.S. Army officer, casualty of war and  soldier from whom the early community took its first name.

The book is a tragic tale that resonates today, a story for all who are passionate about tolerance, dignity and liberty.

“Nobody comes out of this perfect. It’s important that people understand that,” Schein said of exploring all sides of the conflict, from settlers to Native Americans, warring and victimized.

The novel follows Schein’s debut book, “Just Deceits: A Historical Courtroom Mystery” (Bennett & Hastings, 2008) – the story of the celebrity trial of the late 18th century in which the defense team of John Marshall and Patrick Henry battle each other and myriad challenges while trying to save their clients from the gallows.

Schein drew on his 25 years of courtroom experience as a professor and as an adjunct professor of American legal history to research and compose the book, which is being considered for play adaptation.

Born and raised in Vermont, Schein attended Reed College in Portland, and now lives in Seattle with his wife. They raised two daughters.

=====

To learn more about the author and his works, please visit www.michaelschein.com.