Indian Horse

Book cover of Indian Horse

Book description

Named a "Best Novel of the Decade" by Literary Hub

Saul Indian Horse is a child when his family retreats into the woods. Among the lakes and the cedars, they attempt to reconnect with half-forgotten traditions and hide from the authorities who have been kidnapping Ojibway youth. But when winter…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Indian Horse as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Anton Treuer

Author

I loved this book because it grapples with some of the really tough topics that our people have to face.

The characters were relatable and dynamic. I think America and Canada need a wake-up call and an effort to reconcile with their historical treatment of Native people, especially with regard to residential boarding schools. People can only handle calls to justice when they relate to those who were treated unjustly.

In spite of the heavy topics, this book does that really well.

From Anton's list on indigenous empowerment.

Caitlin Hicks

Author

Saul Indian Horse narrates this heartbreaking, rich story about a youth who is a prisoner in a government-sanctioned boarding school, surrounded by violence and cruelty, and yet speaks in a resilient and courageous voice as he struggles to find salvation from the destruction of his family.

I love it because Saul’s voice to tell his story brings me, the reader, so close to him in empathy that I feel him in my heart. In the midst of his daily reality in a horrific boarding school, Saul is surrounded by institutional and personal cruelty. At the urging of a priest, he…

From Caitlin's list on coming-of-age books that explore belonging, identity, family, and beat with an emotional and/or humorous pulse.