41 pages • 1 hour read
Black Elk Speaks
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Book Brief
298
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Great Plains • 19th century
1932
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Black Elk Speaks by John Neihardt recounts Black Elk’s journey from boyhood, through his “great vision,” to his role in numerous significant events including battles and the Wounded Knee Massacre, as he navigates the conflicts between the Lakota people and the Wasichus. The book includes accounts of violence and suffering experienced by the Lakota people.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
19,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Black Elk Speaks by John Neihardt is praised for vividly portraying the spiritual and cultural life of the Oglala Lakota through the perspective of Black Elk, a respected medicine man. Critics commend its poetic narrative and historical significance, though some question its accuracy and Neihardt's interpretive role. Overall, it's a compelling, though contested, work.
Who Should Read Black Elk Speaks?
A reader captivated by Native American history, spirituality, and memoirs will find Black Elk Speaks compelling. Comparable to Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and The Sacred Pipe, it appeals to those interested in indigenous perspectives and poetic storytelling.
19,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
298
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Great Plains • 19th century
1932
Adult
14-18 years
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