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A review by unladylike
Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt
5.0
I was in tears by the end of this book. I feel like I need to read or listen to discussions of interpreting Black Elk's words and visions. For example, I did not know what he meant whenever he names the south as "the direction which we always face." I inferred that it came from his people's spiritual beliefs, but there wasn't an explanation.
If you go into this book hoping for prophecies of peace or words of spiritual and natural enlightenment, you will likely be disappointed. There are graphic descriptions of violent killings and a romanticized tale of two boys plotting to kidnap and force into marriage a girl in their community. So, take those as trigger warnings.
I hope to live my life as a good wasicu, one who leaves the greed implied in that word behind, and stands with the indigenous people these United States - including my ancestors - have tried so hard to eliminate.
If you go into this book hoping for prophecies of peace or words of spiritual and natural enlightenment, you will likely be disappointed. There are graphic descriptions of violent killings and a romanticized tale of two boys plotting to kidnap and force into marriage a girl in their community. So, take those as trigger warnings.
I hope to live my life as a good wasicu, one who leaves the greed implied in that word behind, and stands with the indigenous people these United States - including my ancestors - have tried so hard to eliminate.