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A good day to die: A novel
From his earliest years, Gray Wolf was taught to despise the white man, and he longed for nothing more than his coming of age--when he could join the warriors in defending their people, the Dakota Sioux, from the threat of the Wasicun. Necessity twisted his youthful dreams of glory into a bitter man's revenge as the onslaught of the bluecoat soldier's crushed his village--and murdered his own flesh and blood.
Through the eyes of Gray Wolf we come to know what it means to be a true to hold up one's head even while in chains, to fight for freedom even though the enemy is far greater in number, to possess the integrity and discipline to lay down one's life for one's brother. Even though GrayWolf is loyal to the sacred traditions, he watches as his fellow Indians fall prey to Wasicun firewater and despair. But it is a Wasicun woman who finally inspires in him a love that is beyond race or creed, a love that ventures to cross the gulf of hatred between Indian and white, a love that torments him and finally brings him an heir.
Based on tales which the author heard from her great-grandfather, Gray Wolf, this moving novel brings to life the clash between two cultures on the American frontier. Rich with authentic Indian lore, and filled with historical characters such as Crazy Horse and Long Hair (General Custer), A Good Day to Die is a tribute to those who adhered to the Indian way of life.
Del Barton was the great-granddaughter of Gray Wolf, a Dakota Sioux warrior, and Carlotta de Francisco, a Spanish noblewoman. She was born on an Indian reservation near Painted Post, New York. This novel was inspired by conversations she had with Gray Wolf, who lived to be 107 years old.
Through the eyes of Gray Wolf we come to know what it means to be a true to hold up one's head even while in chains, to fight for freedom even though the enemy is far greater in number, to possess the integrity and discipline to lay down one's life for one's brother. Even though GrayWolf is loyal to the sacred traditions, he watches as his fellow Indians fall prey to Wasicun firewater and despair. But it is a Wasicun woman who finally inspires in him a love that is beyond race or creed, a love that ventures to cross the gulf of hatred between Indian and white, a love that torments him and finally brings him an heir.
Based on tales which the author heard from her great-grandfather, Gray Wolf, this moving novel brings to life the clash between two cultures on the American frontier. Rich with authentic Indian lore, and filled with historical characters such as Crazy Horse and Long Hair (General Custer), A Good Day to Die is a tribute to those who adhered to the Indian way of life.
Del Barton was the great-granddaughter of Gray Wolf, a Dakota Sioux warrior, and Carlotta de Francisco, a Spanish noblewoman. She was born on an Indian reservation near Painted Post, New York. This novel was inspired by conversations she had with Gray Wolf, who lived to be 107 years old.
- GenresFiction
308 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 12, 2020
Upgraded to 4.5*. A powerful biography written by the great-granddaughter of the Dakota warrior Gray Wolf. It describes the clash between two cultures; the Native American with it's dignity, integrity & desire for freedom vs. the Wassicun or White Eyes who broke numerous treaties & carried on what these days would be genocidal warfare against the Native American people.
October 30, 2023
this may be a new record, three good westerns in a row
February 15, 2017
Great read! I couldn't put it down!
August 10, 2015
This was a fantastic book and was interesting every step of the way. The intricacies of the feelings everyone had on both the Native American and "wasicun/white" side were amazing. The author painted the picture so well. It's amazing that these events really happened, or are at least purported to be true. I recommend this read, although it's out of print so it may be hard to find!
April 2, 2013
This was an AWESOME book. My sister and I both read this and LOVED it!!! I don't know why it doesn't get more recognition. It was even more cool that it was an actual biography.
January 23, 2015
Great Book!
April 16, 2018
Read this a few times many years ago...never forgot it. This story will stay with me forever!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews