The Cost of Free Land

Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance

By: Rebecca Clarren

Narrated by: Rebecca Clarren

Winner of the Frances Fuller Victor Award for General Nonfiction
Winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Nonfiction
Finalist for The Stubbendieck Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize
Shortlisted for The William Saroyan International Prize
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

"Sharply insightful . . . A monumental piece of work."—The Boston Globe

An award-winning author investigates the entangled history of her Jewish ancestors' land in South Dakota and the Lakota, who were forced off that land by the United States government

Growing up, Rebecca Clarren only knew the major plot points of her tenacious immigrant family’s origins. Her great-great-grandparents, the Sinykins, and their six children fled antisemitism in Russia and arrived in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, ultimately settling on a 160-acre homestead in South Dakota. Over the next few decades, despite tough years on a merciless prairie and multiple setbacks, the Sinykins became an American immigrant success story.

What none of Clarren’s ancestors ever mentioned was that their land, the foundation for much of their wealth, had been cruelly taken from the Lakota by the United States government. By the time the Sinykins moved to South Dakota, America had broken hundreds of treaties with hundreds of Indigenous nations across the continent, and the land that had once been reserved for the seven bands of the Lakota had been diminished, splintered, and handed for free, or practically free, to white settlers. In The Cost of Free Land, Clarren melds investigative reporting with personal family history to reveal the intertwined stories of her family and the Lakota, and the devastating cycle of loss of Indigenous land, culture, and resources that continues today.

With deep empathy and clarity of purpose, Clarren grapples with the personal and national consequences of this legacy of violence and dispossession. What does it mean to survive oppression only to perpetuate and benefit from the oppression of others? By shining a light on the people and families tangled up in this country’s difficult history, The Cost of Free Land invites readers to consider their own culpability and what, now, can be done.

Important and Personal History, Masterfully Told

A very important book to humanize and help people understand so much more about how our country was built to the detriment and near genocide of the Native Americans. Personal histories of two families and two peoples weave back and forth into broad historical context, building interesting and accessible stories, investigation, and skilled research. Clarren ends with suggestions as to how take some responsibility and move forward.

A disturbing history I was vaguely aware of.

I like the way the author tied her own personal history into the larger Lakota and US history. I enjoyed her advocacy for the writing of these wrongs. Also, it’s clear that she is an advocate.

Engaging and thought provoking

Extensively researched, well written interwoven stories of Jewish settler experiences and Native American experiences, noting some remarkable similarities between the two. Very nicely read by the author. The Native American history is a nice primer (including first person stories) for those unfamiliar with that material, and a stark, condensed reminder for those who already have some familiarity with the travesty.

I didn’t know that!

I thought I knew the history of the Midwest. It turns out I only knew half of it. Very interesting read ; especially for those who have any kind of historical ties to the area.

Very informative

I loved this book (audible version) and hope it reaches far and wide. Thank you Rebecca!