A review by pomoevareads
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

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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