Runner in the Sun

Land of the Free

by D'Arcy McNickle, Alfonso Ortiz (Afterword), Allan C. Houser (Illustrator)

First published in 1954 and long out of print, this novel of pre-Hispanic Indian life in the Southwest combines the authenticity of an anthropological report with the suspense of a mystery novel. The author, best known as an anthropologist during his lifetime, is now recognized as a major Native American novelist. Hitherto virtually unknown, Runner in the Sun is sure to take its place next to McNickle's The Surrounded, also available from UNM Press, as a classic of Native American fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Indigenous

259 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1987

About the author

1904-1977

Reviews

[Elizabeth Santelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can not wait to share this book with my boys! This coming of age story has everything! Civil war, an incredible journey, and daring escape to save someone’s life. Best of all a pre-teen boy is the hero of it all giving kids a kind bravery to copy!!

A couple warnings as you read aloud. Infant death during flash backs to the tribe’s history is mentioned. Human sacrifice is mentioned, but in a very negative way and being actively fought against.

(Update) The boys absolutely loved this story. It was a great read aloud. Some of the perspective shifts needed some exploration but it made them laugh and gasp in horror several times. I don’t know how this book isn’t bigger!

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is assigned for Grade 7-8 students in the Alveary curriculum, so I wanted to preread. Mid-century historical fiction about the pre-U.S. Southwest is highly variable - some thoroughly excellent books, some well-written but with dated terminology (many tribes now use their ancestral names and view the terminology used by Spanish/Mexican/American colonists as rude or at least inaccurate), some that reflect poor historical research, some straight-up racist.

This one is simply excellent. The author was an anthropologist and an enrolled tribal member of Cree-Metis descent, and he displays intimate knowledge of oral history and storytelling techniques, the archeological record and material history, typical social patterns in related tribes, and the local landscapes and natural forces in play (water is and always has been a big deal in the Southwest).

It is also political allegory, in addition to the historical fiction, so it can be a bit on the nose and slightly fantastical, but the characters are well-drawn and the story is well-paced. I think the internal conflict of the main character, who is struggling with his transition to adulthood and adult responsibilities, will be relatable to the audience.

As always, Allan Houser's illustrations add greatly to the experience.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent upper elementary school to lower high school historical fiction. Follows the story of a cliff dwelling boy named Salt and his struggle to help his people survive and preserve peace.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel of pre-HIspanic Indian life in the American Southwest told with respect for native American culture and heritage.

[Stacy Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so good. Truly one of the best and true ‘pre-Columbian’ books I’ve read.

[hacksdancin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A near perfect hero’s journey beautifully set in the pre-Columbian Southwest and Mezo-America

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runner in the Sun is a story about a pre-Spaniard Native American boy. Salt lives in a pueblo village. When the Spider clan, one of the eight clans that share the village Salt lives in, takes over the village and throws the other clans out, the leader of the clan sends Salt to find something, he doesn't know what in the land where Mother Corn came from. Salt goes on a two-year journey and brings back a girl he saved from being sacrificed and some rainbow corn.

[Mark Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1954, it is misguided to pass over this novel as young adult. Yes, it has classic elements of narrative and traditional fictional structures, but the story itself is a subversive weapon in the McCarthy era, stabbing those who strive to exclude based on animosities and fear.

It also has a beautiful mythic quest in the challenge that Salt, the runner, must accomplish; it clearly accounts for the maturation of the runner, who at first resists being demoted from young man to childhood (with the rejection of the turquoise stone); it is a primer on living in peace among other cultures.

The novel needs to be revived with wider reading. It is a message in a bottle to how civilizations need to adapt in order to survive and a diatribe against those who grab for power (Dark Dealer) when what is needed is communal solutions. As a Native-American novel, it needs to be circulated and read--even out loud.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. An engaging story told in language reminiscent of oral tradition. Salt is a young man, just come of age, who becomes embroiled in a treacherous plot among his people. Eventually he must leave his village on a quest to save his people from drought and from themselves. The setting in the American southwest is brought to life through this story, but the story itself lacks subtlety.

[Don Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple but effective tale of Native America before the European invasion. I felt like I was getting a true glimpse into the life and culture of Pueblo natives, with the depiction of the joy and hardship they found in nature, as well as the capacity for deceit (and ultimately redemption) amongst their own kind.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story runs deep.

"We have stored up peace in our hearts, something you have forgotten ... Those who remember this and live accordingly will never be destroyed ... We will survive ..."