Sun Dancer: A Novel

by David London

Clem Blue Chest - a man long broken by the senseless death of his daughter and by the alcohol that dulls his grief - is uplifted by a vision he receives on a highway one night in the summer of 1990. Embarking on a grueling quest for more vision, and guided by what is revealed to him in an unusual sun dance, Clem leads his reservation neighbors to regain their most sacred ground, the Black Hills of South Dakota. But federal agents oppose him at each step, and a militant faction of tribesmen seeks to co-opt part of the vision, hijack his following, and use grossly different means. Nevertheless, Clem pushes on into the lush and sacred territory once guaranteed in perpetuity to his people.
Fast-moving and filled with wakan (the power-mystery-wonder), which pervades the Lakota world, Sun Dancer evokes the lives of many people on and off the reservation. Among them are Clem's strong and resilient wife, Linda, who guards the old values and ways; Clem's cynical half brother Joey Moves Camp, who fought in Vietnam and who is torn between the white world and the reservation, and between belief and disbelief; Joey's free-spirited white girlfriend, Frannie; her rancher father, who seeks revenge with ruthless overkill; Quinn Bacon, a Jesuit-turned-militant who wants to help bring back the ancient warrior society of the Kit Foxes; and Bear Dreamer Bordeaux, the holy man who helps Clem on his quest for a vision.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published July 22, 1996

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, may possibly mirror life on a Lakota Indian reservation. This story explores relationships to each other as well as the land, and historical justice for the Lakota. Well-written and engrossing tale.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a story is not just a story. Sometimes a story is an open secret, that once seen you cannot unsee. Hard, horrifying, soul-gripping - these are the silenced voices we all need to hear. I was skeptical of this author telling this story, but it turns out a story that needs to be told cares less about the voice than the content. History isn't just what happened to someone else, it's what shapes our lives now. Read this book - use it as a springboard to learn more about our American history, our government, and our nation.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book partly because I am attracted to Native American culture. This book included ancient spiritual traditions in a modern setting. It was sad, and the government were still the bad guys.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and researched, it was clear that the author had traveled in the west. I hate books that get the basics of the climate and landscape wrong.

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - the Native American connection really resonated with me. The author tells the tale wonderfully.

[Edward Amato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! I especially enjoyed having visited South Dakota for the first time last year.