Aurelia: A Crow Creek Trilogy

This book traces american indian relations in the United States beginning around 1930 and ending in the 1990's. Just as the relations are complex, so to is the character Aurelia, a Lakota. She has had to deal with many harsh experiences growing up on the reservation, but throughout her life she continues to return to traditional thinking and stories. The book moves along slowly, it is not a page-turner, but one has the feeling that the progression of the story is like the movement of the river, the Mni Sosa, strong and continuous and always there. The book is humorous, Native Americans are great storytellers, but mostly I would say it is sad and angry. The American Indian has not been treated fairly by the United States Government, and Cook-Lynn captures the Indians feelings of helplessness and frustration throughout, yet never to the point where you grow tired and think that Indians are whining. You read of the forced relocation, the unfair loss of Indian lands, the rise of A.I.M., the loss of their sacred Black Hills, and the constant poverty and prejudice that continues to this day. However, as sad and frustrating and angry as this book is you are aware of the American Indians ability to adapt and keep their sense of humor, even when faced with adversity. By the end of Aurelia you know that if the Native Amerians can continue to keep their stories and traditions they will rise and become strong. There are some beautiful, thought provoking passages here; some you will remember forever. I highly recommend this book to all who care about allowing the American Indian to preserve their culture, in their own way, without the help of well-meaning, new-age white people. I believe Cook-Lynn is as strong a voice as Vine Deloria, Jr. I thank her for writing this book.