The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee

by David Treuer
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee cover
Good Books rating 4.58
History
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  • ID: 3126
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780698160811
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2019-01-22
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee challenges the conventional narrative that Native American history ended with the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee. David Treuer, an Ojibwe writer and anthropologist, presents a compelling and intimate story of a resilient people who have continually adapted and thrived despite immense challenges. Through a blend of history, reportage, and memoir, Treuer explores how Native Americans have preserved their cultures, languages, and traditions in the face of adversity. /n/n The book delves into the legal and political maneuvers, the impact of boarding schools, and the role of military service in shaping modern Native identity. It highlights the resourcefulness and reinvention of Native communities, offering a transformative perspective on American history and the enduring spirit of Native peoples.

Reviews
Foreign Affairs · 2020-02-11
powerful 4.50

The book offers a revealing look at the resilience and cultural, economic, and political renaissance among native communities. It's a powerful counter-narrative to traditional historical accounts.

This reviewer was captivated by the book's exploration of the resilience and renaissance within Native American communities. They found the counter-narrative to be both powerful and necessary, as it challenges the dominant historical perspective. The discussions on cultural, economic, and political developments are particularly compelling, offering a more complete picture of Native American history. The book is a significant contribution to the understanding of Native American resilience and vitality.

Quick quotes

    Its story of resilience and cultural, economic, and political renaissance among native communities will be revelatory for most readers who are not Native.

    The book challenges the traditional narrative of Native American history.

    Treuer's work is a testament to the ongoing vitality of Native American communities.

Arts Fuse · 2019-09-27
insightful 4.50

The book challenges the traditional narrative of Native American history as merely a catalog of pain, highlighting resilience and ongoing cultural vitality. It offers a fresh perspective on a transformative era for Native communities.

This reviewer was struck by how the book reframes Native American history, moving away from the usual focus on suffering to emphasize the strength and adaptability of these communities. They appreciate the author's effort to present a more nuanced and hopeful narrative. The discussions on contemporary Native politics and culture are particularly insightful, showing how these communities have evolved and thrived despite historical challenges. It's a compelling read that invites readers to see Native American history in a new light.

Quick quotes

    In this remarkable and timely book, David Treuer is determined that Native American history not be seen as a 'catalog of pain.'

    Treuer's work is a testament to the resilience and vitality of Native American communities.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on a transformative era for Native communities.

The New York Times · 2019-01-20
revelatory 4.75

The book presents a counter-narrative to the traditional view of Native American history, showcasing resilience and cultural renaissance. It challenges the notion of Native Americans as mere victims.

The reviewer highlights how this book effectively challenges the long-held narrative of Native American history as one of victimhood. They were particularly impressed by the author's ability to present a more comprehensive and nuanced story of resilience and cultural renaissance. The book's focus on the present-day vitality of Native communities is both enlightening and inspiring. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand the true depth and complexity of Native American history.

Quick quotes

    David Treuer's 'The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee' shows the history of American Indians as more than victimhood.

    The book is an essential, intimate history—and counter-narrative—of a resilient people in a transformative era.

    Treuer's work will be revelatory for most readers who are not Native.

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