Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies
Recommended Ages: 10-14
A wonderful nonfiction exploration of two iconic American men.
History is a complicated business. It is my belief that people should be judged in the time in which they lived with the resources, understandings, and context afforded to them. It is easy in the 21st century to judge the past based on today's knowledge and understanding, but it is not a truthful nor a fair judgment.
S.D. Nelson does a great job in this non-fiction book to convey the background and context for Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer. He shows their faults and their triumphs. The tone of the book isn’t to highlight or degrade one or the other but gives a balanced approach that is even reflected in the format of the book. The book opens with the birth and ends with their death. Throughout, Nelson alternates between the history and background of each man as they age and develop. In truth, I didn’t know much about these two men and this book will leave the reader with solid information of the events and context surrounding the lives of these two men and American history.
The book also offers pictures, illustrations, and drawings that add to the information and understanding for readers. Some of the illustrations are even completed by the author, which he explains in the Author’s Note. Additionally, the author’s great-grandfather was a “foot soldier under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer” in the Black Hills Expedition (115). His great-grandmother was from “Sitting Bull’s Hunkpapa Band” of Lakota (115). This allowed the author to come to the topic with some authority and reference in understanding the traditions and experiences of soldiers and warriors on both sides. This unique perspective adds to the balanced approach the narration offers.
While the author does present balance, he does not hide the ugly beliefs or actions that ruled the day. In that regard, I would caution you in handing this book over to your reader. Custer’s father was a bigoted man of the time and while he grew up in northern states, he believed that white men were superior to blacks and Native Americans. These beliefs were reflected in Custer’s upbringing. Additionally, there are gruesome acts that are presented, but not described in gruesome details. Nelson explains that scalping of men, sometimes alive, and the mutilation of their bodies. Some of the ceremonial wear of the Native Americans included the hair from these scalps. Several mentions of soldiers committing suicide due to fear of being scalped and mutilated alive is presented in the book. Based on accounts, it is likely that Custer committed suicide for the same reason.
The book also presents the negative effects of alcoholism on the Native Americans, American soldiers, Crazy Horse, and Custer himself. While alcohol and a court-martial charge tainted Custer’s reputation, Crazy Horse likewise had a fall from grace when he was caught secretly meeting with the wife of another man (64). The only description given is that he would “meet secretly” with her. You do not need to worry about unsavory explanations or details further than that. This caused him great humiliation and his standing in the community among the leaders.
Nevertheless, the book gives several accounts throughout of gruesome attacks and battles, as well as the slaughtering of women, children, and horses. There is also a description of a man being shot in the back of the head and his blood and brains being sprayed on the person standing in front of him (99). There is one instance of profanity on page 109. In a quote from a captain shouting “Stab the sonofabitch! Stab the sonofabitch!” is given in the details surrounding the death of Crazy Horse (109). If your child is sensitive to these topics, then you may want to refrain from having them read this title.
In the final section titled “Where Heroes Sleep” the author gives final remarks about the lives of these two men. He writes “The epic story of Crazy Horse and Custer has become history and legend. Both men were flawed human beings and triumphant, yet tragic, heroes. Both lived the way of the warrior. Light Hair and Autie had been born one year apart. They died one year apart. Two spirited boys, both alike in worthiness and desire, were bound against each other from birth” (113).
Furthermore, in the Author’s Note give a final look at the topic and the author’s handling of it. He writes “Opinions change with the capricious winds of political correctness. Today, for the moment, Crazy Horse is revered and Custer is largely reviled” (119).
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the insights it gave into these two men. While gruesome at times, the author did an excellent job of presenting both of these men and the context surrounding their time and actions.
