61 pages • 2 hours read
Fools Crow
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Book Brief
391
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1870s
1986
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Fools Crow by James Welch is a historical novel set in the late 19th century that narrates the story of the Blackfeet people's struggle to preserve their way of life amidst the encroachment of white settlers, smallpox epidemics, and conflicts over diminishing buffalo herds. It follows the coming-of-age journey of Fools Crow, a young Pikuni man, as he transforms from an underappreciated youth into a respected community leader. The novel addresses themes of cultural preservation, identity, and resilience. The book contains topics such as violence and the impacts of disease.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Gritty
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
5,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Welch's Fools Crow garners acclaim for its vivid portrayal of Native American life and its rich, poetic prose. Critics praise Welch's deep cultural insights and strong character development. Some find the pacing slow and the narrative dense, but many appreciate its historical authenticity and emotional depth. Overall, it's valued for its literary merit and educational importance.
Who Should Read Fools Crow?
Fans of vivid historical fiction and Native American culture will relish James Welch's Fools Crow. Readers who appreciated Sherman Alexie's themes in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven or the immersive storytelling of Michael Blake's Dances with Wolves will find this novel captivating.
5,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rides-at-the-Door
Rides-at-the-Door
The father of Fools Crow and a respected war chief, he is a key advisor to the Lone Eaters’ leadership on matters involving the Napikwans.
Fast Horse
Fast Horse
The son of Boss Ribs and a friend of Fools Crow, he is ambitious and impulsive, seeking wealth and status among the Lone Eaters.
Yellow Kidney
Yellow Kidney
A prominent warrior of the Lone Eaters, he is responsible for leading a raid on the Crow horses.
Kills-Close-to-the-Lake
Kills-Close-to-the-Lake
The third wife of Rides-at-the-Door, she struggles to find her place in her husband's lodge.
Running Fisher
Running Fisher
The younger son of Rides-at-the-Door, he initially shows great promise as a warrior but faces personal and familial challenges.
Red Paint
Red Paint
The daughter of Yellow Kidney and Heavy Shield Woman, she marries Fools Crow and supports him as they face various challenges.
Heavy Shield Woman
Heavy Shield Woman
The wife of Yellow Kidney and mother of Red Paint, known for her role in the community’s spiritual ceremonies.
Owl Child
Owl Child
A member of Mountain Chief’s band, he chooses a path of revenge against the Napikwans, defying traditional Pikuni values.
Mik-api
Mik-api
The leading medicine man in the Lone Eaters band, guiding Fools Crow in the spiritual and healing traditions.
Boss Ribs
Boss Ribs
The father of Fast Horse and keeper of the Beaver Medicine, he represents the traditional spiritual heritage of the Pikunis.
Three Bears
Three Bears
The chief of the Lone Eaters band, involved in strategic decisions regarding the Napikwans and community survival.
Mountain Chief
Mountain Chief
A powerful Pikuni chief known for his strong opposition to negotiating with the Napikwans.
Heavy Runner
Heavy Runner
A Pikuni chief who advocates for friendly relations and compromises with the Napikwans for peace.
Malcolm Clark
Malcolm Clark
A white rancher with a complex relationship to the Pikunis, having acted both as a friend and a betrayer.
Joe Kipp
Joe Kipp
The son of a white trader and a Pikuni woman, he serves as a translator and envoy for the U.S. Army.
General Alfred H. Sully
General Alfred H. Sully
The United States Army officer overseeing Indian policy in Montana during the events of the novel.
Double Strike Woman
Double Strike Woman
Rides-at-the-Door’s first wife and the well-respected mother of Fools Crow.
Striped Face
Striped Face
The second wife of Rides-at-the-Door and sister to Double Strike Woman, known for her no-nonsense demeanor.
One Spot
One Spot
The young son of Yellow Kidney and Heavy Shield Woman, saved by Fools Crow during a medical emergency.
Good Young Man
Good Young Man
The elder son of Yellow Kidney and Heavy Shield Woman, present in the Lone Eater community.
Bull Shield
Bull Shield
A Crow chief and long-standing adversary of the Pikunis.
Fox Eyes
Fox Eyes
The head war chief of the Pikunis involved in strategic military endeavors.
Eagle Ribs
Eagle Ribs
A member of the Lone Eaters who participates in the raid on the Crow horses.
391
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1870s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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