Fools Crow by James Welch
I wish that more
people knew about James Welch. I read Winter in the Blood a few months
prior, and absolutely loved this book. Fools Crow is considered his
masterpiece, and I can see why. Not only is the story incredibly researched,
but he also challenges our assumptions about the myth of westward expansion,
exploring the cost and implications of manifest destiny through the perspective
of indigenous people who lived on the land. Beyond the history and tragedy of
westward expansion, I loved that this was a story about leadership, growth and
development, as White Man’s Dog, grows and faces challenges, as well as the
issues related to the encroaching white settlers. Welch captures the traditions
and way of life of the Blackfeet, but also makes their experiences and the
challenges that White Man’s Dog faces relevant to many people—something like
the universal challenges that many adolescents and young adults face in trying
to develop and grow into their own individual selves. This book, like Winter
in the Blood, was understated and beautiful. It’s truly compelling, and I
can see this book being taught as a part of an American literature seminar,
exploring themes and topics but from different perspectives than the
mainstream.
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