Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown Review

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee Review

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown is a historical non-fiction book telling the history of the move West and the clashing of the white settlers and the Native American inhabitants of the land. Filled with quotes by Native Americans, the book focuses on their experiences and their stories.

“The whites told only one side. Told it to please themselves. Told much that is not true. Only his own best deeds, only the worst deeds of the Indians, has the white man told.” - Yellow Wolf of the Nez Percés

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee is a tough, extremely emotional read. It’s filled with heartbreaking events that I don’t remember learning about while in school. That’s not to say none of it was taught, I may have just received a watered-down version. Especially since some of the incidents are immensely violent and just straight-up slaughters. The quotes from people who lived through this dark time brought these situations and the injustices of the Native American tribes further into the light than just writing it all down would have.

I definitely recommend this book. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee reveals some of the darkest events in America’s history. Things that we all should read about and learn from. And not just American citizens. These struggles should not be erased or forgotten about. And the Native American people are still struggling today, still fighting to be seen as citizens, as people. No one deserves to have their history rewritten to show them as villains.

“The Indian was the dark menace of the myths and even if he had known how to write in English, where would he have found a printer or publisher?”

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook.