I do not knowledgable enough to comment on the story's cultural authenticity, but the charcaters are appealing and the story touches upon some compelling themes. ( )

Imagine being forced to become someone so totally foreign that you can't even recognize yourself. Imagine being told that you are all wrong and everything you believe and have been taught is no good.

This is the world into which Beatrice and Lionel have been have been thrust. Lionel is younger and is not as traumatized as his sister. Beatrice is head strong and confident, she has no intention of becoming a "good little white girl". Her memories of what her grandfather taught her about her culture and religion is strong and she has made a commitment to stay true to herself and her people.

The lengths that the teachers and soldiers go to turn these young Indian children into something they are not is unrelenting and cruel, sometimes even sadistic.

Almost being drowned in a bucket of ice water by one of the soldiers, finally makes both Lionel and Beatrice decide to runaway. Their journey back to their reservation is like a rebirth for Beatrice as she sheds the layers of "whiteness" that have been forced upon her.

The children meet some very interesting characters along the way. They must learn to trust individuals who are not like them but will help them survive the winter. Beatrice and Lionel also learn how to take care of themselves and develop new skills that serve them well.

I think that Crowley tried to stay true to and honor the stories former boarding school students shared with him. My grandfather and mother both went to boarding school and their experiences were not ones that gave them warm and fuzzy memories. It seems that there were not some changes in attitude from the early part of this centure to the time my mother went to boarding school. It was painful to read, knowing how terrible it was for these youngsters and being grateful that I was so much more fortunate.

The novel begin slowly and it did take some time to get into but it was worth the journey for me. For those who are curious about the boarding school experience, this would be a good start. If you are interested in learning more about any part of more contemporary American Indian experience this will give a pretty true to life picture. ( )