The Crooked Tree: Indian Legends of Northern Michigan

by John Couchois Wright

In The Crooked Tree we find a collection of authentic Indian legends. John Wright listened to his grandmother weave these legends of her people and as a result, we find that he has combined this nameless trait of the Indian storyteller with a sense of realism that makes one believe that the story actually happened.

170 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2010

About the author

1874-

Reviews

[Aleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book because I really love mythology. I was born in Sault St. Marie and my family on my grandma’s side was Chippewa. So I am especially interested in these stories. I realize that it was a different time but I don’t like they way they refer to the Indians. I was hoping that more of the stories would be legends of the tribes but a lot of them were just their interactions with the French and British. While those were still interesting, I really love the old legends and stories and I will be getting more books to be able to read more of them.

[Minosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

lmao @ the reviewer saying they don’t think the legends are authentic when the author literally got them from his Odawa grandmother. Anyway, yes it’s definitely a product of its time, and Wright clearly wants to appeal to a white audience, but as a piece of literature produced by a Nishnaabe writer in the early 1900s it’s pretty interesting.

[Robin Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the glossary of Ottawa/Ojibwa words. The stories were okay.

[Lly_th · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Interesting history. I think I may travel north and find a local museum on the area.

[Kimberly Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book of Native Americans in Northern Michigan. Because I live in the area, I enjoyed learning the history pre white settlement, during and post. Some of the stories ranged from light- hearted, spiritual, to showing explicit racism. But nevertheless the nature and people who first inhabited and are still here today are the heart of the community...without knowing them - past and present - one doesn't know Northern Michigan.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dated, racist, ethnocentric piece of crap. I don't even think the legends are authentic. Very disappointing.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like another reviewer said, very dated and ethnocentric.
But then it is 100-years-old... At the very least it sheds light into the "noble savage" mindset of the era.