|
|
2 |
Walter Wangerin The Crying for a Vision
Simon Pulse 1996 0689806507 / 9780689806506 Mass Market Paperback
0689806507 From the Publisher Only Moves Walking, an outcast of his Lakota tribe, can see that the path which fierce warrior Fire Thunder is leading his people down will end in death and destruction. To save them, Moves Walking must make the greatest sacrifice of all. "This complex and absorbing novel . . . paints a picture of Lakota culture while illuminating universal truths."--School Library Journal, starred review. Young Adult. From The Critics Publishers Weekly In a starred review, PW said that Wangerin "powerfully conveys the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the Lakota" in this "stirring" adventure of a boy's sacrifice to save his people. Ages 12-up. (Mar.) School Library Journal Gr 10 Up-This complex and absorbing novel of good and evil, sacrifice and redemption, paints a picture of Lakota culture while illuminating universal truths. A too-brief summary would suggest (incorrectly) that the plot is clichd and predictable: a young man, child of a human woman and a celestial being (a star) is chosen (or chooses?) to give his life for the salvation of his people. A comprehensive plot summary, however, is well beyond the scope of a short review, as Wangerin's narrative is both episodic and cohesive, suspenseful and inevitable, densely detailed and fluidly presented. Suffice it to say that the story of Lakota orphan Waskn Mani (Moves Walking) offers readers an unusual opportunity to glimpse a mythic past and enter a world in which the interconnectedness of all beings is emphasized. The dangers of disconnection are made only too obvious by the ravages of war, famine, and despair. Wangerin's use of language is smooth and compelling, complementing the narrative's structure, which resembles an intricate weaving. The story is not told in a strictly linear, chronological fashion, but is created by combining different parts, told from various perspectives. The book's challenging structure, sophisticated vocabulary, and strongly spiritual theme suggest that it will be enjoyed most by thoughtful readers in search of an imaginative, allegorical novel rather than a simple adventure story. Those able to appreciate this masterfully told tale will be richly rewarded.-Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh BookList Waskn Mani is an unusual boy. Unlike his fellow Lakota tribesmen, he takes no pride in hunting animals or making war on neighboring peoples. A gentle soul, he quests for his missing mother and later locks into fierce confrontation with the Fire Thunder, the warlike Lakota leader whose story is bound up with the mysterious disappearance of the boy's mother. Wangerin has woven Lakota legends together to tell an adventure tale of a boy's search for peace and justice. Memorable characters abound--including the tribal elders and the many animals with whom Waskn Mani communicates. The mystical strands of dreams and visions and the heavy use of Lakota language weave a rich tapestry of Native American lore but may slow down reluctant readers--although the lengthy glossary of Lakota word meanings will help. This is a particularly strong addition to historical fiction and Native American fiction and legend collections.
Price:
4.94 USD
|
