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45 pages 1 hour read

The Grass Dancer

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Susan Power

The Grass Dancer

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Dakota • 1980s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

890L

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Super Short Summary

The Grass Dancer by Susan Power, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, is a magical realism novel that uses a nonlinear narrative to intricately weave the lives of several generations of Sioux families. Centered around Harley Wind Soldier, the story explores his community's preparations for a powwow in 1981, touching on themes of family, tradition, and spirituality. The intricate plot features elements of supernatural interference, individual traumas, and Harley’s journey toward healing and self-discovery through indigenous lore and the spirit world. The novel delves into historical and personal tragedies as it connects the past and present lives of the Sioux people.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,257 ratings

72%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Susan Power's The Grass Dancer unveils Native American culture through interconnected stories marked by strong characters and a rich narrative. Critics praise its lyrical prose and cultural depth but note occasional difficulty with the nonlinear timeline. Overall, it's celebrated for its evocative storytelling and vivid immersion into Sioux traditions and spirituality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Grass Dancer?

Readers who enjoy richly woven narratives with a focus on Native American culture and folklore, akin to Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine or Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony, will find Susan Power’s The Grass Dancer captivating. This novel appeals to those who appreciate intergenerational storytelling and magical realism.

4.3

3,257 ratings

72%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Harley Wind Soldier

The protagonist whose journey to adulthood shapes the narrative, faced with personal and cultural loss; he initially struggles but grows through spiritual connection and community integration.

The antagonist with magical abilities, initially indifferent to her powers; her transformation into a vengeful figure stems from personal loss and her manipulation of those around her.

A healer and spiritual guide, acting as a sage who navigates personal and communal relationships with wisdom; his interactions highlight contrasts with other magical practitioners.

Symbolic of Sioux resistance to colonization, with Red Dress actively using her powers against white settlers and Ghost Horse representing nonconformity; their relationship influences other characters.

Their story echoes ancestral and contemporary relationships, marked by love and external pressures; their dynamic explores personal growth within modern societal frameworks.

A brief but significant character who is beautiful, talented, and academically successful; she represents future hope and progress in both Indigenous and broader communities.

A mother and daughter navigating familial and cultural tensions, caught between personal desires and Anna's manipulations; their journey ultimately seeks identity and autonomy.

Harley's grandmother who introduces him to Sioux spirituality, imparting foundational knowledge about ancestors and otherworldly connections through shared experiences.

A non-Indigenous teacher intertwined with the community, whose actions blend well-meaning intentions with an outsider's perspective on Sioux tradition; her role evolves toward acceptance.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Dakota • 1980s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

890L

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