FINALIST FOR THE 2019 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD
LONGLISTED FOR THE 2020 ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Named a best book of 2019 by The New York Times, TIME, The Washington Post, NPR, Hudson Booksellers, The New York Public Library, The Dallas Morning News, and Library Journal, The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee offers a transformative perspective on Native American history.
David Treuer, an Ojibwe author and academic, takes the reader on a sweeping journey through Native American life from the infamous Wounded Knee massacre to contemporary times. Contrary to the popular belief that Native American history ended with the massacre in 1890, Treuer reveals the ongoing saga of resilience and adaptation from the perspectives of those who lived it.
In this essential narrative, Treuer intricately weaves history with his own experiences and thorough research, showcasing a rich tapestry of survival, community, and cultural preservation. He chronicles the impacts of colonial policies, legal challenges, and the evolution of Native identity, illustrating how Native Americans have maintained their cultural integrity amidst profound adversity.
Not only does The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee challenge preconceptions about Native American neglect or disappearance, it portrays the vibrant ongoing existence of Indigenous cultures, profoundly reshaping the understanding of American history as a whole.
This work compels readers to engage in soul-searching about the narratives we accept and the myths we perpetuate about our shared past, making it a necessary read for anyone interested in understanding the complexity of Native American life today.
About the Author:
David Treuer is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and is celebrated for his powerful insights and articulate examination of Native American experiences through both fiction and non-fiction.
