The Story Catcher

by Mari Sandoz

Young Lance is his father's son when it comes to the daring needed for gaining honors in the war councils of the plains Sioux. Even greater is his seeing medicine. With eyes growing sharper, he watches the warring between tribes, the buffalo hunting, the daily routine—and shows it all in pictures drawn in the dust or on skins with charcoal and color sticks. But catching the story of Sioux society in the 1840s is not for an impetuous and unseasoned youth. Many adventures, sorrows, and hardships must pass before the village sings Lance's new Story Catcher, recorder of the history of his people. Rooted in legend, history, and empathetic understanding, The Story Catcher , Sandoz's last novel, won the Levi Strauss Golden Saddleman Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Award.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Novels, Native American

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Mari Susette Sandoz (May 11, 1896 – March 10, 1966) was a novelist, biographer, lecturer, and teacher. She was one of Nebraska's foremost writers, and wrote extensively about pioneer life and the Plains Indians.

Reviews

[Jackson Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book because I was interested in the everyday way of life of the Native Americans. This book gives a very close and accurate description of the Lakota Suiox living in the land that is now centered around western Nebraska and the Sand hills. This story contains plenty of action. The Story Catcher is about a young Indian boy who is growing up into a young warrior. The books shows the many expierienes typical Indian boys had growing into manhood. Sandoz shows that the struggles or growing up are some of the hardest moments in life. For example “The hills of ones youth are all mountains” (157 Sandoz). I enjoyed reading this book and the story really captured my interest.

[Kara Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really interesting as it looked at some issues and lifestyles between the different bands of Sioux, Pawnee, Crow, and Ree tribes. It also discussed many of the troubles that the immigrant Europeans brought with them like measles and whiskey. My main drawback is that it felt very disjointed. It often jumped forward and I was left going back to see what I had missed. I would have like a more developed book like her novel I read, Old Jules. I have one more on her shelf that I’ll try to read next November.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the writing style is dated, the story really captured my interest, and I especially enjoyed learning more about the Sioux lifestyle.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable tale of Lance, a young Oglala, as he comes of age and finds himself, told in Sandoz's vivid style of psychological and scenic description.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed novel about a young Sioux warrior and would be appropriate for junior high age on up.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because: 1) the author was from Nebraska; 2) I love a good historical fiction; 3) I'm very curious about the everyday way of life of the Native Americans. The Lakota Sioux lived, partially, at times, in Northern Nebraska - between Nebraska and South Dakota. This gives a probable, very close to accurate description of their way of life. It takes place, at the time, when the Sioux are feeling the push of the "white men" as well as noticing that the number of buffalo is dwindling. It's a beautiful story, well-told. It was sad, though, for me, because I know what is coming for the Sioux - much harder times.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept