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352
Novel • Fiction
North Dakota • 1980s
1994
Adult
18+ years
890L
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
3,257 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
3,257 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Anna "Mercury" Thunder
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.
Herod Small War
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.
Red Dress and Ghost Horse
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.
Lydia and Calvin Wind Soldier
Their story echoes ancestral and contemporary relationships, marked by love and external pressures; their dynamic explores personal growth within modern societal frameworks.
Pumpkin
A brief but significant character who is beautiful, talented, and academically successful; she represents future hope and progress in both Indigenous and broader communities.
Crystal and Charlene Thunder
A mother and daughter navigating familial and cultural tensions, caught between personal desires and Anna's manipulations; their journey ultimately seeks identity and autonomy.
Margaret Many Wounds
Harley's grandmother who introduces him to Sioux spirituality, imparting foundational knowledge about ancestors and otherworldly connections through shared experiences.
Jeanette McVay
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.
352
Novel • Fiction
North Dakota • 1980s
1994
Adult
18+ years
890L
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