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RavenShadow: An Adventure of the Spirit
“Win Blevins is a master yarn-spinner.” – Tony Hillerman
From Joseph Blue Crow’s mystical visions: “I lost track of time. Time, that big boss that runs the white world. Time, which pushes you hither and yon like dust in front of a broom. Yet you are insensitive to the larger grander motions of time made by the natural world—whether the tide is in or out, the moon new or full, when cows are calving, when ice rims the creeks, when willows are green and supple…most of all you know nothing of timelessness. I say this with a shamed face. I have lived that way myself.”
Before he was born, Joseph was chosen to carry the sacred ways of his Sioux people. But, instead of walking the good, Red Road of his people, or even the thorny Black Road, he put his feet on the White Road of basketball and booze, women and the blues.
Awaking at nearly forty, a man who has lost himself, Joseph seeks redemption. He sets out again on the path of the sweat lodge, the vision quest, and the sacred pipe. The journey delivers him to Wounded Knee, where is must relive the trials of his ancestors, and through his visions understand the past and heal the present.
“Historical detail serves a charming treasure.”
- Kirkus Reviews
”Blue finds himself, but the reader finds even more in Blevins's tales of Lakota lore and his reexamination of one of the darkest episodes in American history. Blevins's prose is razor-sharp, his characters are clearly defined, and his heart, like so many, is at Wounded Knee. An outstanding novel."--Booklist
“RavenShadow has the impact of a hurled war lance."--Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
From Joseph Blue Crow’s mystical visions: “I lost track of time. Time, that big boss that runs the white world. Time, which pushes you hither and yon like dust in front of a broom. Yet you are insensitive to the larger grander motions of time made by the natural world—whether the tide is in or out, the moon new or full, when cows are calving, when ice rims the creeks, when willows are green and supple…most of all you know nothing of timelessness. I say this with a shamed face. I have lived that way myself.”
Before he was born, Joseph was chosen to carry the sacred ways of his Sioux people. But, instead of walking the good, Red Road of his people, or even the thorny Black Road, he put his feet on the White Road of basketball and booze, women and the blues.
Awaking at nearly forty, a man who has lost himself, Joseph seeks redemption. He sets out again on the path of the sweat lodge, the vision quest, and the sacred pipe. The journey delivers him to Wounded Knee, where is must relive the trials of his ancestors, and through his visions understand the past and heal the present.
“Historical detail serves a charming treasure.”
- Kirkus Reviews
”Blue finds himself, but the reader finds even more in Blevins's tales of Lakota lore and his reexamination of one of the darkest episodes in American history. Blevins's prose is razor-sharp, his characters are clearly defined, and his heart, like so many, is at Wounded Knee. An outstanding novel."--Booklist
“RavenShadow has the impact of a hurled war lance."--Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 18, 2017
I grew up all over the West, in the 1950s. Like many of the other kids, I was always drawn to the story of the people my own ancestors displaced, made war upon and took as much of their dignity as possible in order to assimilate them. Even then, that there were still traditional Indians, anywhere, impressed me a great deal. That strength and power became a lifelong interest., eventually culminating in a family business in American Indian Arts -- including Northern Plains objects from Prairie Edge -- that lasted from 1985 until full retirement in 2015. Along the way, though we made many friends among the People, able to share jokes and laugh together, probably my own white liberal guilt kept me oddly, an arm's length away. The story of Wounded Knee, here retold as a spiritual healing process at the heart of a young man's road towards redemption, made a closer, more intimate connection with me than any of the historic accounts I'd read, including Dee Brown's stirring telling, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Everything, until I turned the pages in Raven Shadow, remained safely insulated, away as history. However tragic, or however evil, it had always felt like something far enough in the past to feel protected from. 1890 always seemed like a "history date" until I read a few words in author Blevins' telling of the small, white general store and post office that stood near the creek in December of 1890. Suddenly, I could see that and I realized that this is not a distant past historic moment, but a living memory for the generations of the families that died there in the snow. My own grandfather was a young man then, trying to support his family farming on the Nebraska plains. The known story immediately changed for me. Win Blevins' words made it personal and I could feel the rage and anger flame up and begin to heat my own heart as I read. This is a very intimate tale of several ordeals. The characters are well-developed and the story drives on with momentum, to reach the pain of the known conclusion as well as the kindling of a new spirit of purpose. His liberal sprinkling of Lakota language throughout made it even more enjoyable for me. I recommend it very highly to anyone with a place in their hearts for truth and the interconnection of all the human family. All of our families have at one time or another been on either side of cruel conflicts. We all have a share in the evil done to to others different from ourselves and we all have a share in finding the path towards healing the wounds so we can re-join our common family. Maybe the People's dream did not die there after all.
March 22, 2015
The last Lakota novel I read depressed the hell out of me, so I started this with some reservations. The first third of the book was very similar. Depressing, broken. Then it becomes a story of rediscovery, history, and redemption.
So this is a story of a guy reclaiming his birthright, and still struggling to make sense of it. In the midst of a lot of depressing crap, he wakes up, starts asking the right questions, being open to the right teachers, and rediscovering his destiny. The backstory and general narrative are not super compelling (a POV thing, I think--a guy who barely got through school isn't going to sound like Shakespeare or Hemingway), but the real history is what really springs to life. It really does feel like an eyewitness account and fill in the details of what made Wounded Knee so horrific and the annual memorial ride so important. In the end, there's even an acknowledgement that it broke people on both sides, all sides, and the remembrance is intended to heal us all. For such a dismal book, that revelation at the end was really a generous and upbeat ending.
So this is a story of a guy reclaiming his birthright, and still struggling to make sense of it. In the midst of a lot of depressing crap, he wakes up, starts asking the right questions, being open to the right teachers, and rediscovering his destiny. The backstory and general narrative are not super compelling (a POV thing, I think--a guy who barely got through school isn't going to sound like Shakespeare or Hemingway), but the real history is what really springs to life. It really does feel like an eyewitness account and fill in the details of what made Wounded Knee so horrific and the annual memorial ride so important. In the end, there's even an acknowledgement that it broke people on both sides, all sides, and the remembrance is intended to heal us all. For such a dismal book, that revelation at the end was really a generous and upbeat ending.
April 17, 2018
I've always been fascinated by Native mythological stories and in Ravenshadow, I get to experience what a spirit journey is all about. Joseph Blue Crow is an incredible character and I connected with him right away. Blevins weaves an intoxicating story which blew me away. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
May 19, 2023
RavenShadow is a well researched historical fiction novel about the Lakota nation. It starts with the early life of Blue Crow from the 1970’s through early 90’s. The story tells the reader how he was raised and then rebelled. He rejected the red road and attempted to follow the white man ways. We read as the main character descends into his own personal hell and fight with alcoholism. Unfortunately, this is common amongst the reservations. The white man has destroyed the spirit and lives of many believing white ways are the only ways.
The story deepens when Blue Crow reaches rock bottom. He begins a spiritual journey back with the support of many Indian friends. He has a gift. Blue can travel the spiritual world. He is helped to use this gift and explores his ancestors ways. He eventually travels to Wounded Knee to experience the massacre of 1890 and the aftermath.
This novel does a wonderful job of portraying the past experiences of the Lakota nation and the recent history of their survival. It also portrays hope for all to find the spiritual strength and souls within each of us. The book celebrates the Red Road of spirituality and healing. It is so well written, it’s hard to believe the book is truly fiction.
The story deepens when Blue Crow reaches rock bottom. He begins a spiritual journey back with the support of many Indian friends. He has a gift. Blue can travel the spiritual world. He is helped to use this gift and explores his ancestors ways. He eventually travels to Wounded Knee to experience the massacre of 1890 and the aftermath.
This novel does a wonderful job of portraying the past experiences of the Lakota nation and the recent history of their survival. It also portrays hope for all to find the spiritual strength and souls within each of us. The book celebrates the Red Road of spirituality and healing. It is so well written, it’s hard to believe the book is truly fiction.
November 2, 2022
Well, even though this story started out what I thought was to be an autobiography, it wasn't until I finished the book and read about the Author, that I was really surprised. This starts out as a story of a young man of Native American bloodlines who has entered the dark world of alcohol abuse. His baggage, as we all have to a certain degree, is his life between Native American and White Man worlds. He is raised by his grandparents, but they held him out of the Indian School not wanting him to be taught White Man things. Eventually their minds are changed and at the age of 14 he enters school. He has a lot of catching up to do, but eventually learns, but learns the White Man ways. Some years down the road after quitting his job as DJ for a radio station, the sudden death of his partner and then his grandmother the grieving begins. He joins AA and gets clean thanks to his support group and sponsors. Then he begins a journey back into the Indian World by way of a "pilgrammage" if you will that Chief Big Foot and his tribe made over 100 years ago into Wounded Knee prior to the Massacre. The story only gets better, but I will not want to add spoilers.
August 20, 2017
A Eye opening look at the Wounded Knee Massacre
I loved this book! I could barely pull myself away from it to run errands, so laundry, cook supper...you know, the things you are expected to do. Well, those went on the back burner the minute I started reading this book. How a young American Indian lost his way from the red road he was being taught to follow by his grandparents. He was sent to an " Indian " school, where they tried to beat the Indian out of him. I can't keep going on here, but if you are interested in Wounded Knee, Lakota beliefs and customs, i.e. Vision Quest, Sweat Lodge and the Ghost Dance that brought all players to Wounded Knee, then this book is a gem!
The main character has visions. In these visions he is at Wounded Knee to experience and see what his ancestors, his people suffered there. It is an amazing book that I highly recommend.
I loved this book! I could barely pull myself away from it to run errands, so laundry, cook supper...you know, the things you are expected to do. Well, those went on the back burner the minute I started reading this book. How a young American Indian lost his way from the red road he was being taught to follow by his grandparents. He was sent to an " Indian " school, where they tried to beat the Indian out of him. I can't keep going on here, but if you are interested in Wounded Knee, Lakota beliefs and customs, i.e. Vision Quest, Sweat Lodge and the Ghost Dance that brought all players to Wounded Knee, then this book is a gem!
The main character has visions. In these visions he is at Wounded Knee to experience and see what his ancestors, his people suffered there. It is an amazing book that I highly recommend.
June 23, 2021
This is a wonderful book. The story of a Native American man. His beginnings, being raised totally in the Indian ways. Speaking only Lakota language, learning the songs, stories and culture to the exclusion of everything else. Then upheaval in his teens when, as a 6ft. tall kid, he's sent to white schools, where he is punished for doing anything the indian ways. Then his life as a white, where he becomes successful, yet disillusioned and descends into alcoholism. And finally, his fight to return to his culture and find a sort of redemption in it. The book is fascinating if you're interested in indian culture and history.
April 21, 2018
Wow
So good you kept my interest .I had to read it all and only stop to sleep,eat,or whatever. First day I was up all night I just could not put down. I have often wondered what evil white people justify for treatment of indians, slavery of negros, locking up American Chinese during war, and now rushing to judgement of Muslims. I am white and I have never understood this way of thinking. Of course I am only white by skin color. I have many races in my blood. I just wish I could get rid of guilt I feel around others😢
So good you kept my interest .I had to read it all and only stop to sleep,eat,or whatever. First day I was up all night I just could not put down. I have often wondered what evil white people justify for treatment of indians, slavery of negros, locking up American Chinese during war, and now rushing to judgement of Muslims. I am white and I have never understood this way of thinking. Of course I am only white by skin color. I have many races in my blood. I just wish I could get rid of guilt I feel around others😢
May 24, 2018
This was a very unusual tale told in the first person by a modern Native American man who has lost touch with his heritage and is an alcoholic almost at the end of his rope. The story feels like an autobiography rather than fiction and it drags at times, but the part about his participation in the commemoration activities at Wounded Knee is fascinating. It's very spiritual and some may not relate to this and think that the visions described are definitely fictional, but I was very moved by the story.
December 26, 2018
Este libro pudo haber sido fantástico si fuese corto o no hubiera perdido tiempo en cosas triviales, por ejemplo, qué me importa si el tipo era alto y era bueno como defensa en básquet. Me gustó mucho toda esa mitología. También la sinceridad... Mostrar ese coraje hacia el hombre blanco estadounidense, que me imagino no cayó bien a algunos que viven en una negación. Pero... Lamentablemente la historia es difícil de seguir y alarga situaciones que no sé a dónde me quiere llevar. Es una pena. No recomiendo este libro
May 18, 2019
Life With Spirit
A very powerful inspirational tale which transcends every race, color, creed and gender.
As I read, I noticed that as Blue struggled with alcohol he was also struggling with his identity. Is he still a true Lakota or a white Lakota? Through his journey he learns of his ancestors and their journey. By learning about his ancestors and Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, he gains himself.
"To live without belief was to condemn yourself to the death which worse than death, life without Spirit." RavenShadow.
A very powerful inspirational tale which transcends every race, color, creed and gender.
As I read, I noticed that as Blue struggled with alcohol he was also struggling with his identity. Is he still a true Lakota or a white Lakota? Through his journey he learns of his ancestors and their journey. By learning about his ancestors and Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, he gains himself.
"To live without belief was to condemn yourself to the death which worse than death, life without Spirit." RavenShadow.
May 2, 2021
For Strong Hearts Only
I don't know if the author is Lakota or white or both, his photo makes him seem white as does some of his personal information in the book. But this book is written from the heart and even though a bunch of ignoramus today object to the use of the word red, he has a red heart and managed to walk the good red road in a predominantly white world. I thank him for his spirit and his stories, they really are the stories of all humans, no matter the race or color--all hearts truly open to spirit are the same.
I don't know if the author is Lakota or white or both, his photo makes him seem white as does some of his personal information in the book. But this book is written from the heart and even though a bunch of ignoramus today object to the use of the word red, he has a red heart and managed to walk the good red road in a predominantly white world. I thank him for his spirit and his stories, they really are the stories of all humans, no matter the race or color--all hearts truly open to spirit are the same.
August 17, 2017
Endless Spirit
I gave this book five stars because it was a moving story of a people who were massacred. It was a triumph of the spirit when despair almost overwhelmed an Indian youth. Blue was reared in a traditional way by his grandparents, only to be forced into school at the age of fourteen. This set him on a path that alienated him from his race.
The story of how he fought to reclaim his heritage was riveting, but very difficult to read.
I gave this book five stars because it was a moving story of a people who were massacred. It was a triumph of the spirit when despair almost overwhelmed an Indian youth. Blue was reared in a traditional way by his grandparents, only to be forced into school at the age of fourteen. This set him on a path that alienated him from his race.
The story of how he fought to reclaim his heritage was riveting, but very difficult to read.
April 30, 2018
RavenShadow was really interesting and I'm glad I picked it up, even though I didn't love the book.
The main character/narrator wasn't too likeable at first, but I suppose that was intentional.
The second section dragged a bit at points, although I understand a spiritual journey can't be too fast-moving.
What I liked a lot was that the story opened a window not only into Lakota culture but also into what it feels like to be a minority, which was both fascinating and heartbreaking.
The main character/narrator wasn't too likeable at first, but I suppose that was intentional.
The second section dragged a bit at points, although I understand a spiritual journey can't be too fast-moving.
What I liked a lot was that the story opened a window not only into Lakota culture but also into what it feels like to be a minority, which was both fascinating and heartbreaking.
November 27, 2022
Loved It!!
I love Win Blevins' writing style, and books, and RavenShadow is no exception. I found this book to be exciting, never boring or slow. The account of The Bigfoot Ride, Ceremonies, the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the Ghostdance I thought were well researched and basically accurate. One must keep in mind that the book is fiction, not a history.
I enjoyed this book alot and felt uplifted by it. Congratulations Win Blevins for another solid well developed work. Wopila!
I love Win Blevins' writing style, and books, and RavenShadow is no exception. I found this book to be exciting, never boring or slow. The account of The Bigfoot Ride, Ceremonies, the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the Ghostdance I thought were well researched and basically accurate. One must keep in mind that the book is fiction, not a history.
I enjoyed this book alot and felt uplifted by it. Congratulations Win Blevins for another solid well developed work. Wopila!
April 2, 2018
I luv this writer, Win Blevins. He writes with feeling, emotion, spirit, truth and wonderful characters. I actually felt like I was on the freezing road to Wounded Knee. He is my new favorite author. Can't wait for his next book. The stories of Native Americans are beautiful, awe-inspiring, action packed, dramatic, peaceful and spiritual. I can't say enough good things about this book.
May 10, 2018
Remarkable Wounded Knee History
I knew of Wounded Knee but not much about Wounded Knee, and now have a much better understanding of Native Americans in South Dakota. Win Blevins did great job of blending the old with the new world and giving us reasons to revere our ancestors. Very interesting story that I hated to end.
I knew of Wounded Knee but not much about Wounded Knee, and now have a much better understanding of Native Americans in South Dakota. Win Blevins did great job of blending the old with the new world and giving us reasons to revere our ancestors. Very interesting story that I hated to end.
June 14, 2018
I am glad I took the time to finish this book. I admit I got bogged down about two thirds of the way through and was tempted to quit reading it during the memorial ride to Wounded Knee. This is a story about the Lakota people, both past and present, and the massacre at Wounded Knee. I believe this is an accurate, although fictional, portrayal of events.
July 11, 2018
RavenShadow opens in a narrow narrative and takes a unique, historical twist. I was brought into the Native American world, a Spirit world. A captivating journey of the Raven guiding the reader into a new world, a troubled historical ending at Wounded Knee. The author has encouraged more reading and exploring.
September 15, 2018
RavenShadow
A difficult but interesting book, to read! First,although a work of fiction, it is based on actual happenings, people, and events, which our white American history, has forgotten, glossed over, or tried to eliminate, altogether from history books! It is a gut-wrenching story of many people's journey over 100 years, and more!
A difficult but interesting book, to read! First,although a work of fiction, it is based on actual happenings, people, and events, which our white American history, has forgotten, glossed over, or tried to eliminate, altogether from history books! It is a gut-wrenching story of many people's journey over 100 years, and more!
June 11, 2019
Long & Boring
A true trial to read and finish. The perspective of following the character of Blue on this tedious journey was so awful. I would rather Blevins had focused on a nonfiction book from a young native American's viewpoint on overcoming stereo typical views and learning to live a life true to himself and appreciative of his heritage.
A true trial to read and finish. The perspective of following the character of Blue on this tedious journey was so awful. I would rather Blevins had focused on a nonfiction book from a young native American's viewpoint on overcoming stereo typical views and learning to live a life true to himself and appreciative of his heritage.
August 31, 2017
Remarkable
This is a great author. He tells so vividly these stories that it invites you to become a part of them. I found this and others of his novels to be nourishing to my soul and I very highly recommend reading!!
This is a great author. He tells so vividly these stories that it invites you to become a part of them. I found this and others of his novels to be nourishing to my soul and I very highly recommend reading!!
December 28, 2017
Forgive the past
Blue Crow has a strong heritage. His grandparents keep him Native into his teens. Alcohol suppresses his feelings of not only living white but also his need to find his family truths. Tragedy brings him low, but he only turns around with spiritual help.
Blue Crow has a strong heritage. His grandparents keep him Native into his teens. Alcohol suppresses his feelings of not only living white but also his need to find his family truths. Tragedy brings him low, but he only turns around with spiritual help.
March 30, 2018
Compelling vision
A beautiful engaging novel that attempts to make sense out of evil. The characters seemed real to me, as if I will see them in the world tomorrow. This is the best book I have read in a long time. Thanks.
A beautiful engaging novel that attempts to make sense out of evil. The characters seemed real to me, as if I will see them in the world tomorrow. This is the best book I have read in a long time. Thanks.
April 4, 2018
Heartfelt book
This is a beautiful gift of the spirit. Of being lost and finding yourself by finding your roots. And of the magic of Spirit that enables us to journey to the other world and bring back wisdom and healing.
This is a beautiful gift of the spirit. Of being lost and finding yourself by finding your roots. And of the magic of Spirit that enables us to journey to the other world and bring back wisdom and healing.
April 6, 2018
Beautiful
This is a book that should be on your Must Read List. Joseph Blue Raven is a complex character with many obstacles to overcome and learn from. He shows how to get back on the path you were meant to walk during your lifetime. I would highly recommend this book.
This is a book that should be on your Must Read List. Joseph Blue Raven is a complex character with many obstacles to overcome and learn from. He shows how to get back on the path you were meant to walk during your lifetime. I would highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2018
A wonderful book
I read this book with my heart in my mouth, wanting and not wanting to get to the end for that would mean that I would have to stop reading. Oh the pathos! The courage of even being willing to set out in such circumstances! It is just a splendid story. Thank you.
I read this book with my heart in my mouth, wanting and not wanting to get to the end for that would mean that I would have to stop reading. Oh the pathos! The courage of even being willing to set out in such circumstances! It is just a splendid story. Thank you.
May 7, 2018
Great historical novel
Great story for with on-site and emotion. Historically accurate. Especially interesting for people interested in Native American history. Good engrossing read!
Great story for with on-site and emotion. Historically accurate. Especially interesting for people interested in Native American history. Good engrossing read!
May 20, 2018
Must read
A must read for a human understanding of what what was, what is and the great darkness of our past. Win Blevins brings the spirits waiting to tell their stories to those who need to hear them the most.
A must read for a human understanding of what what was, what is and the great darkness of our past. Win Blevins brings the spirits waiting to tell their stories to those who need to hear them the most.
July 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this story.
The author obviously did a lot of research to be able to tell the story so well. He has been fortunate to have built a life to incorporate the blessings of what he learned.
The author obviously did a lot of research to be able to tell the story so well. He has been fortunate to have built a life to incorporate the blessings of what he learned.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews