Winter Count

by Dallas Chief Eagle, Chadwick Allen (Introduction)

Winter Count is a historical novel set during the fifteen turbulent years leading up to the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. Turtleheart, a Teton Sioux, and his wife, Evensigh, a white woman adopted by the Tetons as an infant, are thrust into this history when they are ambushed by a Santee Sioux working as a scout for white gold miners. Turtleheart is tortured and left for dead, while Evensigh is kidnapped and sent to St. Louis to assimilate into white culture. Their struggle to reunite is set against the backdrop of escalating conflicts with the U.S. cavalry, the negotiation and breaking of treaties, and the formation of the Sioux reservation.

 

Originally published in 1967, Winter Count is one of the few book-length works of fiction produced by a Native American to be published before the 1970s.

Genres: Fiction, Native American, Historical Fiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first autographed book. My dad, who gave me my love of words, bought it for me at Seven Falls, Colorado after a performance by Native American dancers. The book was amazing and spurred my interest in Native America.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the last two chapters slowly I didn't want it to come to an end. Turtleheart and Evensigh's love story was just what I like to read. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did.

Broken treaties and Broken hearts.

The whites have committed all the violations, and we are to be punished for protecting our families?"

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is compelling and emotional, with some very hard-hitting moments. However, the pacing was a little difficult to get into and the depiction of Evensigh as a female character felt a little lacking to me.

[P.J. O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come later...