In the Spirit of Crazy Horse: The Story of Leonard Peltier and the FBI's War on the American Indian Movement : Book Review

"In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" by Peter Matthiessen is a captivating exploration of the murder trial of Native American activist Leonard Peltier. Matthiessen delves into the complexities of the case, shedding light on the historical and cultural context that led to Peltier's involvement with the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the violent clashes at Pine Ridge Reservation in the 1970s.

The book delves into the injustices faced by Native Americans and highlights their ongoing struggle for rights and dignity. Matthiessen meticulously examines the government's actions, revealing the systemic racism and corruption that shaped the case against Peltier. Through extensive research and interviews, he provides a comprehensive account of the events, allowing readers to form their own opinions.

Matthiessen's prose immerses readers in the atmosphere of the time and the emotions of those involved. His research and journalistic approach bring authenticity to the narrative, painting a vivid picture of the key players and the political landscape of the era. The author's dedication to truth and justice shines through, making the book an important contribution to Native American history and the fight against oppression.

While the book presents Peltier's perspective and highlights the injustices he faced, Matthiessen also addresses the complexities and controversies surrounding his actions. The book acknowledges the violence committed by both sides, offering a balanced portrayal of a divisive period in American history. It challenges preconceived notions and encourages a deeper understanding of the issues.

Ultimately, "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" offers a compelling and eye-opening account of the struggles faced by Native Americans in their fight for justice and sovereignty. Matthiessen's research and storytelling make it a must-read for anyone interested in Indigenous history, the American Indian Movement, and the ongoing quest for equality and truth.

What are readers saying?

Peter Matthiessen's book, "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse," has garnered a range of reviews from readers, expressing both praise and criticism for the work. Many readers found the extensive research and attention to detail put into the book to be commendable. They appreciated the thorough and well-researched account of the events surrounding the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the violent standoff at Wounded Knee. Matthiessen's book was seen as shedding light on the injustices faced by the Lakota people and other Native American communities, providing valuable historical context, and challenging mainstream narratives.

However, some reviewers found fault with Matthiessen's writing style. They felt that the book was overly dense and lacked a clear narrative structure. Some readers struggled to follow the book, citing an overwhelming amount of information and a lack of cohesive storytelling. Additionally, a few reviewers raised concerns about the author's bias, suggesting that Matthiessen portrayed the AIM and its leaders primarily in a positive light, without fully exploring counterarguments or alternative perspectives.

Nevertheless, many readers found "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" to be a thought-provoking and enlightening read. They commended Matthiessen's dedication to uncovering the truth and praised his extensive interviews with those involved in the events. The book was seen as challenging preconceived notions and exposing the mistreatment of Native American tribes by the government.

In conclusion, Peter Matthiessen's "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" has received mixed reviews. While many readers appreciated the thorough research and compelling account of the AIM and the events at Wounded Knee, some found fault with the book's structure and density. Nevertheless, the majority of readers applauded the book's ability to bring attention to the injustices faced by Native American communities and admired Matthiessen's commitment to uncovering the truth.