Fools Crow

By: James Welch, Thomas McGuane - introduction

Narrated by: Darrell Dennis

The year is 1870, and Fool's Crow, so called after he killed the chief of the Crows during a raid, has a vision at the annual Sun Dance ceremony. The young warrior sees the end of the Indian way of life and the choice that must be made: resistance or humiliating accommodation.

"A major contibution to Native American literature." —Wallace Stegner.

Cover image courtesy of Walter McClintock Papers. Western Americana Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

A stunning and masterful epic

This books was recommended to me by a dear friend who told me it was her favorite book and written by an author from her tribe. I loved it.

The way he describes the process of obtaining a medicine call toward the end of the book is legit.

I was less than thrilled with the ending. Overall, however, it was a great listen. Recommended.

The beautiful description of a people’s life.

I am an avid reader of Native American history. This book stands out as one the best in the genre. It’s a beautiful example of the human side of a people we should admire. Welch has a gift for narrative, but more importantly of creating characters with depth. If you liked the book “Black Elk Speaks”or “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” you will enjoy this. It is a must read and has lessons for our people today.

Beautifully Written

I was unfamiliar with the Marias Massacre but it is something we should all know about. This is a fictional account of the time leading up to that event, told through the eyes of Fools Crow/White Man’s Dog. The writing is beautiful and (I presume, I’m just a Napikwan) an accurate description of life for the Pikuni/Blackfoot people. The characters are sympathetic and I found myself ready to explore more on these people and events. This one will stay with you.
Darrell Dennis does a great job with the material as well.

If you understand the consequences of your actions

this reading will expand your historical insight on personal truths of the western frontier, making older versions less righteous.