Reviews

The Ohlone Way: Indian Life in the San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area by Michael Harney, Malcolm Margolin

shelleyanderson4127's review against another edition

4.0

This is an account of the life and times of indigenous people in the San Francisco-Monterey Bay (USA) before Spanish colonisation. It's a well-written, extensively researched, account aimed at the general reader, by a non-indigenous writer. It's become a classic of sorts, found in many California museums and national parks. It is clear to see why: the writing flows easily, the attitude is respectful (there is an interesting afterword in which the author talks about being taken to task by Native activists) and it depicts a people in their entirety: working, playing, scheming and praying. The Ohlone encompass many different groups, and the rich geography supported one of the most populous Native groups in North America. I especially appreciate the last chapter, for which the author interviewed contemporary Ohlone descendants, as it emphasizes that the Ohlone are still alive and here (though, as one descendant notes: "They have become accustomed to being ignored"). Reading this alongside a more monumental book like David Treuer's The Heart of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present makes an informative combination.

psteve's review against another edition

5.0

Terrific book about those who lived in the Bay Area before the Europeans arrived. Great research, and Margolin takes a leap of imagination to really give you what seems to be an accurate portrayal of the lives and even at least a bit of the way of thinking about these people who are all gone now. Though he's probably not as successful at not romanticizing them as he could have been, the picture he paints seems real. A thoroughly enjoyable book.

mcrawfordmiller's review against another edition

5.0

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially if they are from California.

kzs's review against another edition

I would much prefer the edenic california of the Ohlones to whatever tech dystopia thing is going on now.

pluto2107's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

5.0

A really engaging non-fiction book that got you to really understand the people of the past and their way of life.