Top Historical Fiction Books about Native Americans: A Must-Read List …
Historical fiction is a wonderful genre that can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped our world.
Native American Fiction is a genre that has been gaining recognition and popularity in recent years. However, despite the rich history and cultural significance of indigenous literature, books authored by Native American authors have often been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream publishing.
This lack of representation has contributed to a lack of popular entries in the genre. However, as readers and publishers become more aware of the importance of diverse voices in literature, there has been a growing interest in Native American Fiction.
One challenge for readers interested in Native American Fiction is finding these books, as they may not always be prominently displayed or marketed in bookstores or online retailers. However, there are many excellent Native American authors writing in a variety of genres, from historical fiction to contemporary YA novels.
Some popular Native American authors include Louise Erdrich, Leslie Marmon Silko, Sherman Alexie, and Joy Harjo, among others. These writers offer unique perspectives on Native American culture and history, exploring themes such as identity, tradition, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous communities.
If you’re interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of Native American Fiction, there are many resources available to help you discover new authors and titles. These include independent bookstores that specialize in diverse literature, online communities such as Goodreads and Book Riot, and literary awards and organizations that recognize and promote indigenous authors, such as the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas and the American Indian Library Association.
When it comes to Native Americans, there are many powerful and thought-provoking historical fiction books that can help us better understand their rich and complex history. Here are some of the top historical fiction books about Native Americans that you should add to your reading list:
“The Last of the Mohicans” by James Fenimore Cooper
Set in the midst of the French and Indian War, this classic novel tells the story of a young British officer named Duncan Heyward and his relationship with the last two members of the Mohican tribe, Chingachgook and his son Uncas. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to save Heyward’s love interest and her sister from the clutches of a hostile Huron tribe. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and loyalty, while providing a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“The Round House” by Louise Erdrich
Set on a North Dakota Ojibwe reservation in the late 1980s, this novel tells the story of a 13-year-old boy named Joe who seeks to uncover the truth behind the brutal attack on his mother. The novel explores themes of justice, tradition, and identity, as Joe navigates the complex web of relationships and power dynamics within his community. “The Round House” won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2012 and has been praised for its powerful storytelling and insightful portrayal of Native American culture.
“Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown
This powerful book is a history of the American West from the perspective of the Native American tribes that lived there. Using primary sources and firsthand accounts, Brown documents the injustices and atrocities committed against Native Americans during the 19th century, including the forced removal of the Cherokee from their homeland, the Trail of Tears, and the infamous massacre at Wounded Knee. The book is a poignant reminder of the toll that colonialism and westward expansion took on Native American cultures.
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
This award-winning young adult novel tells the story of Junior, a young boy who leaves his reservation to attend an all-white school. Through Junior’s experiences, the book explores issues of identity, assimilation, and the struggle to maintain cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. With a humorous and poignant narrative voice, this book offers a powerful insight into the challenges faced by Native American youth.
“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko
This novel tells the story of a young man named Tayo, who returns home to the Laguna Pueblo reservation after serving in World War II. Suffering from PTSD and struggling to reconcile his experiences in the war with his cultural heritage, Tayo turns to traditional Native American ceremonies for healing. The novel is a powerful exploration of Native American spirituality, identity, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
“The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich
Inspired by the life of the author’s grandfather, who was a night watchman at a factory in North Dakota, this novel explores the efforts of a group of Native American activists to fight against the termination of their tribe’s federal recognition. The novel weaves together multiple storylines, including that of the watchman, Thomas Wazhushk, and his niece, a recent college graduate named Pixie. Through their experiences, the novel illuminates the struggles of Native Americans to maintain their cultural identity and political autonomy.
“The Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley
This young adult novel tells the story of Daunis Fontaine, a biracial Ojibwe teenager who becomes involved in an FBI investigation into a drug ring on her reservation. As Daunis works to uncover the truth behind the crimes, she must also confront the complex social and cultural dynamics of her community. The novel has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Native American culture and the experiences of young people living on reservations, as well as its fast-paced plot and engaging characters.
“House Made of Dawn” by N. Scott Momaday
People cannot talk about historical fiction books about Native Americans, without mentioning this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, that tells the story of Abel, a young Native American man who returns home to his reservation after serving in World War II. Through Abel’s journey, the book explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the legacy of colonialism. The novel is a powerful meditation on the challenges faced by Native Americans as they navigate the tensions between their traditional cultures and the demands of modern society.
These books offer a powerful glimpse into the rich and complex history of Native Americans. From the thrilling adventure of “The Last of the Mohicans” to the poignant reflections on identity in “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” these books provide a range of perspectives on the experiences of indigenous cultures in the United States.
These are just a few of the many wonderful historical fiction books about Native Americans that are available. Whether you’re interested in the history of the American West or simply want to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures of Native American tribes, these books are sure to captivate and enlighten you.