Reviews with content warning for Violence - Winter Counts

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Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

85 reviews

pomoevareads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I can’t say how much I enjoyed Winter Counts by Sicangu Lakota author David Heska Wanbli Weiden. It was just the perfect read for me right now.

I believe it is important to learn about the history of indigenous peoples. As a non-indigenous person I want to recognize the harms done and work towards balance where it pertains to indigenous populations. I believe this is my first book by and about Lakota people and their ceremony and tradition. I appreciated how the author allows the reader in part way to the sacred ceremonies and keeps parts not previously published clandestine as is part of the structure of the ceremony.

On top of being a book I can learn from, Wanbli Weiden has written a fantastic piece of crime fiction that held my attention and had me staying up late to read.

Our protagonist, Virgil, delivers justice as an enforcer in the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. When Virgil’s nephew, Nathan, decides to make a poor decision and use drugs, the results are almost lethal and Virgil wants to see those responsible pay. Whether to believe his Nephew’s story or that of a respected member of the community creates the impetus for Virgil to find the facts and mete out justice.

Virgil plays a role in the community that at first glance might seem rather brash and egoistic but in fact is important to hold people responsible for their actions when the government fails to provide adequate policing and punishment where the reservations are concerned. Virgil’s character’s transformation throughout the novel was inspiring and shows the value of tradition and ceremony and believing in something beyond oneself.

This book deserves all the love it is receiving and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

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kimgravy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative tense medium-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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sarah984's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is definitely a gritty (and extremely stressful) thriller, focusing on an "enforcer" who takes matters into his own hands when the law won't help people on the reservation. Virgil is doing his best to take care of his nephew under less than ideal circumstances. He's cynical and skeptical about Lakota traditions due to trauma from his youth but considers turning to them again when he gets in over his head.

This novel is really well written and I enjoyed most of it, but some of the fight scenes near the end were pretty silly, so I docked a star.

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poursandpages's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Y’all. I LOVED this book. Loved loved loved. Read it in less than 24 hours love.

Weiden (an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation) writes about life on the “rez”, the rampant drug use, the lack of federal prosecution (because they can’t prosecute their OWN people for felonies on the reservation. Wtf?!), & vigilante justice.

This thriller sucked me in from the beginning. Learning about rez life & the Lakota traditions was fascinating, & the writing was incredible. You’ll learn a lot, in addition to really enjoying the story. I promise.

Diversify your shelf & grab this one immediately. I am really happy to see that @bookofthemonth included this in their September main five selections & hope to see that continue.

Content Warnings