Indian Country

This book, which faced an eight-year legal battle before its release, provides a compelling and urgent account of the plight of Native Americans. Through meticulous journalistic details and impassioned storytelling, the author sheds light on the often-ignored struggles of indigenous communities, making it a critical read for understanding their ongoing challenges. The author's vivid narratives and investigative approach bring to life the systemic issues faced by Native Americans, offering a deeply human perspective on historical and contemporary injustices. The book is not just a documentation of events but a call to action, urging readers to confront the realities faced by these communities.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2025-10-21

engaging 3.50

Readers appreciate the book's exploration of the encroachment on Native American lands and its vivid storytelling. However, some find the idealization of Indigenous peoples to be a limitation.

The Goodreads reviews for 'Indian Country' by Peter Matthiessen reflect a mix of appreciation and critique. Many readers praise the book's vivid storytelling and its exploration of the encroachment on Native American lands, finding it both engaging and informative. They appreciate the author's deep respect for Indigenous cultures and the detailed portrayal of key figures and events. However, some reviewers note a tendency to idealize Indigenous peoples, presenting them as symbols of purity rather than acknowledging their diversity and complexity. This perspective, while well-intentioned, can oversimplify the realities of Indigenous life and struggle. Despite this limitation, the overall sentiment among readers is positive, with many finding the book to be a valuable and moving account of Indigenous experiences. The reviews suggest that 'Indian Country' is a worthwhile read for those interested in Native American history and culture, offering both historical insight and emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

An exploration of the encroachment of whites on the sacred grounds of the native Americans.

Read 13 reviews from the world's largest community for readers.

Indian Country by Peter Matthiessen.

JHU Press · JC Rice · 1985-01-01

insightful 3.50

The book presents a vivid and engaging narrative of the modern Indian Wars, showcasing Matthiessen's skill as a storyteller. However, it tends to idealize Indigenous peoples, overlooking their diversity and complexity.

JC Rice's review highlights Peter Matthiessen's ability to craft a compelling narrative that brings the modern Indian Wars to life. They appreciate the author's deep respect for Indigenous cultures and the vivid portrayal of key figures. However, they also note a tendency to romanticize these communities, presenting them as symbols of purity rather than acknowledging their rich diversity. This perspective, while well-intentioned, can oversimplify the complex realities of Indigenous life and struggle. The review suggests that readers should approach the book with an understanding of its limitations, appreciating its strengths as a narrative while being mindful of its idealized portrayal of Indigenous peoples.

Quick quotes

In Indian Country, Peter Matthiessen uses the skills of a polished fiction writer to present the saga of the present-day Indian Wars.

We are introduced to 'traditional' Indians who are quiet, humble men, more truly in the spirit of Crazy Horse as he is consistently remembered.

Critics of the work note Matthiessen's tendency to idealize Indigenous peoples, presenting them as symbols of purity while overlooking the rich diversity and complexity of their cultures.

Indiana University Maurer School of Law · DC Williams · 1985-01-01

moving 4.00

The book offers a poignant exploration of the encroachment on Native American lands, highlighting the resilience and spirit of Indigenous communities. It is a powerful and moving account that resonates with historical significance.

DC Williams' review praises Peter Matthiessen's 'Indian Country' as a poignant and powerful exploration of the encroachment on Native American lands. They highlight the author's ability to capture the resilience and spirit of Indigenous communities, presenting a moving account that resonates with historical significance. The review emphasizes the book's emotional impact, noting its ability to evoke a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by Native Americans. They also appreciate the detailed and respectful portrayal of various tribes, including the Miccosukee, Hopi, Cherokee, and Mohawk, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Overall, the review suggests that 'Indian Country' is a valuable contribution to the literature on Indigenous experiences, offering both historical insight and emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by the Faculty Scholarship at Digital Repository @ Maurer Law.

Indian Country by Peter Matthiessen, 98 Harvard Law Review 1104 (1985).

It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Scholarship by an authorized administrator of Digital Repository @ Maurer Law.

Appears in Lists

Best Of Investigative Journalism - Nonfiction