Heartsong James Welch

For the first time in ages, I chose this book just coz I happened to see its pretty cover on the shelf! Then, reading that James Welch was respected from writing “in the Native American tradition”, I figured it was worth a try based on that.

It was entirely fine, if not terribly remarkable. In 1890s Marseille, Charging Elk is left behind after the Buffalo Bill show leaves the town while he is in hospital. Not understanding the language or culture of the world that he has found himself, Charging Elk is alternately passed between government bureaucrats and left to fend for himself as he starts to learn about his new environment.

A gentle read, Heartsong subtly explores the problems that Charging Elk has understanding the cultural differences between the Oglala and western paradigm, and creates a believable and sympathetic, if not slightly stereotypical character in Charging Elk.