Lakota Woman

By: Mary Crow Dog, Richard Erdoes

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Mary Brave Bird grew up fatherless in a one-room cabin, without running water or electricity, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Rebelling against the aimless drinking, punishing missionary school, narrow strictures for women, and violence and hopeless of reservation life, she joined the new movement of tribal pride sweeping Native American communities in the '60s and '70s. Mary eventually married Leonard Crow Dog, the American Indian Movement's chief medicine man, who revived the sacred but outlawed Ghost Dance.

Originally published in 1990, Lakota Woman was a national best seller and winner of the American Book Award. It is a unique document, unparalleled in American Indian literature, a story of death, of determination against all odds, of the cruelties perpetuated against American Indians, and of the Native American struggle for rights. Working with Richard Erdoes, one of the 20th century's leading writers on Native American affairs, Brave Bird recounts her difficult upbringing and the path of her fascinating life.

©1990 Mary Crow Dog and Richard Erdoes. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Important read

If you want to hear a different perspective of history from what is taught to us in school, this is a must.

Sad Day on the Reservation

What made the experience of listening to Lakota Woman the most enjoyable?

I wasn't aware of all of the strife that went/goes on at a reservation and this certainly opened my eyes to the problems. It is very sad commentary on what has been done to the Native Americans.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, of course the main character--the Lakota Woman.

Have you listened to any of Emily Durante’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No not that I remember but her performance was very good.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't know.

This book is a must read.

Unique perspective on the American Indian movement. Lucky that we are able to learn from it.

Powerful Storytelling

This book really opened my eyes to what American Indians had to endure living in the US. There were times my heart actually ached reading what they went through, but I’m a so glad I read it and have better insight. 10/10 recommend!!

Don't learn this in history class

Amazing depiction of a woman's journey growing up Lakota as an activist, as a woman and the struggles of life of just being native. Highly recommend.