THE HORSECATCHER

by Mari Sandoz ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 7, 1956

Set in the days after the white man's coming but when herds of buffalo still roamed the western plains is the story of a young Cheyenne told with the minute details of movement, custom and emotion which characterize this writer's work. Its central theme is Young Elk's struggle to be himself- a non-warrior tribe. With his peaceful tendencies and his love of animals, especially horses, uppermost, there is a third concern with the boy's realization that he is something of a misfit. Getting to his beloved animals brings him trouble in the form of censure from contemporaries and elders but at the last they recognize in him the true values of a tamer and trainer. Though simply carried out, the story thread is strengthened by its very quietude, its thoughtful examination of an Indian mind and the interweaving not only of Cheyenne customs but the lives of the other Plains tribes- Comanche, Ute and Kiowa.

Pub Date: May 7, 1956

ISBN: 0803291604

Page Count: -

Publisher: Westminster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION