Fools Crow by James Welch is a historical novel set in the late 19th century that narrates the story of the Blackfeet people's struggle to preserve their way of life amidst the encroachment of white settlers, smallpox epidemics, and conflicts over diminishing buffalo herds. It follows the coming-of-age journey of Fools Crow, a young Pikuni man, as he transforms from an underappreciated youth into a respected community leader. The novel addresses themes of cultural preservation, identity, and resilience. The book contains topics such as violence and the impacts of disease.

James Welch's Fools Crow garners acclaim for its vivid portrayal of Native American life and its rich, poetic prose. Critics praise Welch's deep cultural insights and strong character development. Some find the pacing slow and the narrative dense, but many appreciate its historical authenticity and emotional depth. Overall, it's valued for its literary merit and educational importance.

Fans of vivid historical fiction and Native American culture will relish James Welch's Fools Crow. Readers who appreciated Sherman Alexie's themes in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven or the immersive storytelling of Michael Blake's Dances with Wolves will find this novel captivating.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Contemplative / Gritty / Inspirational

- Fools Crow is celebrated for its authentic depiction of Native American culture, drawing on the rich history and traditions of the Blackfeet tribe to create a vivid and immersive narrative.
- Written by James Welch, a descendant of the Blackfeet and Gros Ventre tribes, Fools Crow reflects his deep connection and dedication to portraying Indigenous perspectives and storytelling.
- The novel received the American Book Award in 1987, highlighting its impact and recognition in the literary community for its cultural and historical significance.

**Fools Crow (White Man's Dog)**  
Initially known as White Man’s Dog, he is an eighteen-year-old member of the Lone Eater band who grows into a respected warrior throughout the novel.

**Rides-at-the-Door**  
The father of Fools Crow and a respected war chief, he is a key advisor to the Lone Eaters’ leadership on matters involving the Napikwans.

**Fast Horse**  
The son of Boss Ribs and a friend of Fools Crow, he is ambitious and impulsive, seeking wealth and status among the Lone Eaters.

**Yellow Kidney**  
A prominent warrior of the Lone Eaters, he is responsible for leading a raid on the Crow horses.

**Kills-Close-to-the-Lake**  
The third wife of Rides-at-the-Door, she struggles to find her place in her husband's lodge.

**Running Fisher**  
The younger son of Rides-at-the-Door, he initially shows great promise as a warrior but faces personal and familial challenges.

**Red Paint**  
The daughter of Yellow Kidney and Heavy Shield Woman, she marries Fools Crow and supports him as they face various challenges.

**Heavy Shield Woman**  
The wife of Yellow Kidney and mother of Red Paint, known for her role in the community’s spiritual ceremonies.

**Owl Child**  
A member of Mountain Chief’s band, he chooses a path of revenge against the Napikwans, defying traditional Pikuni values.

**Mik-api**  
The leading medicine man in the Lone Eaters band, guiding Fools Crow in the spiritual and healing traditions.

**Boss Ribs**  
The father of Fast Horse and keeper of the Beaver Medicine, he represents the traditional spiritual heritage of the Pikunis.

**Three Bears**  
The chief of the Lone Eaters band, involved in strategic decisions regarding the Napikwans and community survival.

**Mountain Chief**  
A powerful Pikuni chief known for his strong opposition to negotiating with the Napikwans.

**Heavy Runner**  
A Pikuni chief who advocates for friendly relations and compromises with the Napikwans for peace.

**Malcolm Clark**  
A white rancher with a complex relationship to the Pikunis, having acted both as a friend and a betrayer.

**Joe Kipp**  
The son of a white trader and a Pikuni woman, he serves as a translator and envoy for the U.S. Army.

**General Alfred H. Sully**  
The United States Army officer overseeing Indian policy in Montana during the events of the novel.

**Double Strike Woman**  
Rides-at-the-Door’s first wife and the well-respected mother of Fools Crow.

**Striped Face**  
The second wife of Rides-at-the-Door and sister to Double Strike Woman, known for her no-nonsense demeanor.

**One Spot**  
The young son of Yellow Kidney and Heavy Shield Woman, saved by Fools Crow during a medical emergency.

**Good Young Man**  
The elder son of Yellow Kidney and Heavy Shield Woman, present in the Lone Eater community.

**Bull Shield**  
A Crow chief and long-standing adversary of the Pikunis.

**Fox Eyes**  
The head war chief of the Pikunis involved in strategic military endeavors.

**Eagle Ribs**  
A member of the Lone Eaters who participates in the raid on the Crow horses.

James Welch

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Chapters 1-3

Fools Crow Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

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Chapters 7-9

Fools Crow Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Fools Crow Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

Fools Crow Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-18

Fools Crow Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

Fools Crow Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-24

Fools Crow Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

Fools Crow Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-30

Fools Crow Chapters 28-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-33

Fools Crow Chapters 31-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-36

Fools Crow Chapters 34-36 Summary & Analysis

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