Despite the fact that Red Cloud's Autobiography was written in a rather simplistic manner, it did not fail in presenting me with some very strong themes; and therefore, as Catherine said, I have mixed feelings towards the book. First of all, it was rather easy reading and aesthetically pleasing. The book was very entertaining and interesting. I really enjoyed the detail provided for each account of Red Cloud's bravery. I particularly liked the account of the Sioux's failed raid on the Gros Ventre tribe, and Red Cloud's subsequent escape by boat. Another aspect that I enjoyed from this autobiography were the stories of Native American--whats the word-- politics, I guess. For example, Red Cloud's rivalry with another Sioux warrior, Black Eagle, due to his attempt to create a mutiny against Red Cloud within the tribe. I guess I liked this passage because of the illustration that human nature does not change and that similar themes occur throughout history and civilizations.

As enjoyable a read as this was though, I definitely had some problems with it. I did not like how Red Cloud was portrayed almost exclusively as a brutal warrior. I really believe that in order to understand the story you need to realize that the Native American lifestyle was extremely different than any other ever seen in North America. If Red Cloud is compared to Robert E. Lee, for example, he looks to be a disgusting, savage murderer. However, after considering his natural suroundings, he is almost immediately promoted to brave warrior. I don't think that this book did a particularly good job of putting the story into it's cultural place. Overall though I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend that it remain on the curriculum.