The Life and Death of Crazy Horse by Russell Freedman

The Life and Death of Crazy Horse, by Russell Freedman is a passionate account of the Sioux warrior's life in the Northwestern United States. It is a thrilling alternative to traditional historical texts that may be seen as too dull or dry for young readers. It investigates a truthful three-dimensional perspective from an objective Native American point of view, exposing the harsh complexities of the Sioux War.

Through the development of exciting charismatic characters, Freedman presents a suspenseful narrative based on historical fact. Freedman approaches manifest destiny at the end of the Nineteenth Century, loyalty culture and survival with a well-rounded biography rooted in historical and artistic integrity.

Driving Freedman's tale is the continuous conflict between white settlers pushing west on the Oregon Trail and the Sioux Nations attempting to defend their territory. Using documented personal accounts from both whites and native peoples, Freedman tells a fairly objective story. One of the work's greatest strengths is the identification of cultural and language barriers that caused explosive miscommunications resulting in bloody battles.

While the book's Library of Congress Cataloging-in Publication Data categorizes the biography as Juvenile literature, the content requires vigilant discussion between a young reader and parent or teacher when approaching the text. This period in our Nation's history was incredibly violent, and Freedman does not withhold the gruesome truths of the time, "Lifting his victim's hair, Curly (Crazy Horse) was astonished to find that he had killed an Omaha woman. While this was not considered shameful during the heat of battle, he drew back...Repulsed by what he had done, he turned away and let someone else take the scalp."

There are also instances of adult subject matter that are required for the accurate telling of the Crazy Horse story. At one point, Crazy Horse elopes with the Black Buffalo Woman, another man's wife, and fathers a child as a result of this union. While this aspect of the story provides romance and intrigue, it is also useful in developing the character of No Water, Black Buffalo Woman's jealous husband, who is instrumental in the eventual demise of Crazy Horse.

The anguish the Sioux suffered for decades defending their homeland is treated with respect and dignity. Although the story of Crazy Horse and his people historically ends tragically, Freedman offers a hopeful and comforting ending as the remaining members of the great Sioux warrior's band escapes to Canada, "The cavalryman sat on their horses and watched the Indians go. They saw them disappear into the hills, heading north in search of freedom, taking the Spirit of Crazy Horse with them."

For more information on Russell Freedman, the Sioux War, or the illustrated book The Life and Death of Crazy Horse follow the links below.