Review of These Sacred Lands

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Jane precious
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Review of These Sacred Lands

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[Following is a volunteer review of "These Sacred Lands" by James Harold Kelly.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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These Sacred Lands by James Harold Kelly tells the story of the Lakota Sioux during the Great Sioux War, a time of profound conflict and change. At the heart of the narrative is the deep connection the Lakota people have with the Black Hills, or Paha Sapa, which they revere as sacred land gifted by the Great Spirit. The novel introduces us to brave Lakota warriors and their families, who face the harsh reality of American settlers encroaching on their territory, driven by the promise of gold and the belief in Manifest Destiny. As the Lakota struggle to protect their way of life, we witness their hopes, fears, and resilience. The story captures the emotional turmoil of a people caught between their rich traditions and the relentless push for change. Through their eyes, we experience the pain of losing their homeland and the fight to preserve their identity, culture, and freedom in a rapidly changing world.

What struck me most was the authenticity of their experiences. Kelly painted a vivid picture of the Lakota Sioux way of life, their traditions, and their sacred bond with the Black Hills. I found myself reflecting on the beauty of their beliefs and the deep respect they had for the land. The Lakota warriors and their families came alive for me; their struggles, hopes, and dreams resonated in a way that made me feel like I was walking alongside them. I could sense their pride in their culture and the weight of their challenges, which made their stories all the more poignant.

There were some negative aspects that I encountered while reading. There were times when the author provided so much background information that it felt overwhelming. While I appreciated the context, especially regarding the sacredness of the land to the Lakota, it sometimes interrupted the flow of the story, making it hard for me to stay immersed in the action. I found myself longing for a more seamless integration of history and narrative, as seen in the detailed descriptions of the Lakota's relationship with the land.

This book was exceptionally well-edited without errors. Due to the aforementioned drawbacks, I therefore rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. The book offers insights into the culture, struggles, and perspectives of the Lakota people. It can serve as an educational resource for readers looking to understand the complexities of Native American history and the impact of westward expansion.

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These Sacred Lands
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