Super Short Summary

House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday follows Abel, a young Indigenous American war veteran who, traumatized by his experiences in World War II, returns to his hometown in New Mexico. Struggling with alcohol addiction and his disconnection from his cultural roots, Abel's journey of self-discovery involves relationships, violent encounters, and eventual participation in a traditional ceremonial race that helps him reconnect with his heritage and find a sense of belonging. The novel contains sensitive topics including alcohol addiction and physical violence.