Wind from an Enemy Sky by D'Arcy McNickle is lauded for its powerful depiction of Native American struggles, cultural clashes, and the impact of colonization. Reviewers appreciate its rich narrative and complex characters. Some criticize the pacing and predictability of the plot. This novel serves as a profound commentary on indigenous experiences and resilience.

Readers who enjoy Wind from an Enemy Sky by D'Arcy McNickle appreciate poignant, character-driven narratives about Native American experiences, akin to Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine or Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. Ideal for those interested in cultural conflict and nuanced historical fiction.

Wind from an Enemy Sky, a 1978 historical fiction novel by D’Arcy McNickle, follows the Little Elk tribe in the northwestern United States as they contend with white colonization and its impact on their land and culture. Bull, the tribe’s chief, and his brother Henry Jim, aim to reclaim their cultural significance amid external pressures, leading to a tragic and escalating conflict. The story addresses racism, cultural erasure, and violence against Indigenous people.

Challenging / Emotional / Mysterious / Melancholic / Contemplative

**Bull**  
Chief of the Little Elk tribe and a strong advocate for preserving traditional values and resisting assimilation, he is portrayed as both a guardian of his people and a complex figure with personal flaws.

**Henry Jim**  
The elder brother of Bull and a foil to him, he chose to integrate with settlers and align with government authorities, leading to a significant rift with his brother.

**The Boy (Richard Marks)**  
Serving as the tribal police, he finds himself caught between conflicting loyalties and societal expectations, while also acting as an interpreter for the Little Elk tribe.

**Adam Pell**  
An industrialist and museum owner characterized by his belief in colonial progress, whose actions, despite good intentions, often result in harm to Indigenous peoples.

**Toby Rafferty**  
Superintendent at the Little Elk Indian Agency, who struggles to gain the tribe’s trust and balance the expectations of his superiors with the realities of life at the agency.

**Doc Edwards**  
A devoted physician at the Indian Agency known for his deep understanding of and commitment to the Indigenous community he serves.

**Antoine**  
Bull's grandson, recently returned from residential school, who is depicted as navigating his cultural identity and the effects of his past experiences.

**Pock Face**  
A young, rebellious member of Bull’s camp, known for his propensity for trouble and acts of defiance.

**Two Sleeps**  
An elder at Bull’s camp, regarded as a holy man with insights and visions that influence the community's decisions.

D'Arcy Mcnickle

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