63 pages • 2 hours read
Winter In The Blood
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1970s
1974
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Winter in the Blood follows an unnamed Indigenous American protagonist in Montana as he grapples with loss, identity, and alienation following personal tragedies. He returns to his mother's ranch and embarks on a journey to reclaim stolen possessions, encountering various people and reflecting on his past, particularly the death of his brother and his own disconnection from life. The novel includes depictions of sexual assault.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Unnerving
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
4,654 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Welch's Winter In The Blood is lauded for its evocative prose and poignant exploration of Native American identity and alienation. Critics praise its atmospheric narrative and depth, but some find its pacing slow and its protagonist disengaging. Overall, it is considered a significant contribution to Native American literature, blending lyrical storytelling with cultural introspection.
Who Should Read Winter In The Blood?
Readers who appreciate the complexities of identity, cultural displacement, and the stark beauty of Native American life embedded in poignant prose will find Winter In The Blood by James Welch captivating. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven and Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine will also enjoy this novel.
4,654 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Teresa First Raise
Teresa First Raise
The narrator's mother, described as a capable and stoic woman who bears the responsibilities of the family ranch and manages her household in the face of loss and change.
First Raise
First Raise
The narrator's late father, remembered as a dreamer with an intricate inner life and a penchant for planning but rarely following through, known for his mechanical skills.
Lame Bull
Lame Bull
The narrator’s new stepfather, who is characterized by his ambition and emotional expressiveness, taking a serious approach to his responsibilities after marrying into the family.
Agnes
Agnes
A woman associated with the narrator, often perceived through the opinions of others and the narrator's objectification, with a lifestyle that contrasts with domestic expectations.
160
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1970s
1974
Adult
18+ years
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