Black Hills: A Novel

Dan Simmons
Reagan Arthur Books (2010)
ISBN 9780316006989
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (05/10)


Dan Simmons has won numerous awards and a faithful following for his science fiction, disturbed the sleep of many with his supernatural and creepy tales, and with his latest work has proven again that he deserves to be called one of the best, and most versatile, fiction writers alive today. I consider Dan Simmons’ latest work, “Black Hills,” historical fiction drawn from love for his country and its people, and great concern for its future. Starting with the 1876 Battle at Little Big Horn, the growth of the United States of America alongside the demise in power of Native peoples is presented in the mesmerizing way that is Dan Simmons telling a story. Although the topic was not something that really interested me, I trusted that anything this man wrote would be worthy of my time and I was not disappointed.

Through the perspective and life story of a young visionary, Paha Sapa, understanding the conquering and conquered in US western history is explored from the view that all the participants were warriors, who may still all come to the same end.  Paha Sapa’s empathetic connection to Custer is a vehicle for explaining the pale “wasichu,” while the variety of native societies and their interactions are explored through Paha Sapa. The chapters switch between past and present, with the main character at times a youth and at others a modern, aged wise man, all the while living through fascinating times such as the rewriting of Mount Rushmore’s history as a monument, and the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. The durability, evolvement, and demise of beliefs and cultures make the exploration of humankind in “Black Hills” an intelligent, thought-provoking experience. The man can certainly write. While my personal favorites are still his science-fiction works, I do think “Black Hilld” is Dan Simmons’ most tightly constructed novel yet – a terrific story with a depth that stays with you long after the reading is done. “Black Hills” will take the breath away of anyone who has not yet discovered this author, and will amaze his current fans.

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