Great Plains Studies, Center for
Date of this Version
1996
Abstract
Mark Monroe's autobiography, edited from his tape-recorded memories by Carolyn Reyer, joins a sizable body of Indian autobiographies resulting from a collaboration between white editors and Indian narrators. Where earlier accounts often catered to white fascination with traditional Indian life, the title here indicates different concerns. After a traditional childhood in North Dakota, Monroe moves ro Alliance, Nebraska, where he experiences small town racial prejudice. Unable to find work, he enlists and is wounded in Korea. Initially successful as a baker when he returns, he drifts into a gruelingly portrayed alcohol addiction, which wrecks many years of his life. On the wagon eventually, he regains his self-respect, becoming involved in community actions to help Indian alcoholics and other impoverished and disadvantaged Indians. He stands (unsuccessfully) for local political office, becomes permanently engaged in community work, and is able, in spite of personal tragedies, to look back with pride on a life rescued and worthy of respect.
Comments
Published in Great Plains Quarterly 16:3 (Summer 1996). Copyright © 1996 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.