Bitterroot: An American Epic
“An enthralling read. . . . We see and feel the world as they experienced it."
“Kent Gramm’s November braided history, spirituality, and memoir in writing that was haunting, moving, and lyrical. In Bitterroot, Gramm writes as an epic chronicler of the Nimiipu in their desperate struggle for freedom. Combining history, poetry, and lively character sketches, Gramm provides readers a memorable, sobering tale of the horrors of American racial division, even while celebrating love, mercy, and courage.”
“From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” Chief Joseph’s words concluded a thousand-mile odyssey of Nez Perce adults, children, and elderly during their 1877 war against the U. S. Army and Cavalry. This dramatized history gives voice to Joseph, Looking Glass, White Necklace, Half Man Half Woman, Howard “The Christian Soldier,” Calamity Jane, and Yellowstone Kelley—portraying cultures, religions, races, and values in conflict, yet reminding us of our common humanity. Said Yellow Wolf: “I want the next generation of whites to know and treat the Indians as themselves.”
Colonel Nelson Miles tells Howard, “For three days they’ve fought us with more desperation and more skill than I thought possible—slaughtered my men like trained soldiers. They won’t give up now until they’ve tried to rush us and break through.”
“What? Rush us? Joseph has more sense. I know the man.”
“We’ll see,” said Miles.
Back across the whitened scrap of high plains battlefield, Joseph speaks in a low voice, “Hear me, my chiefs!”
