The Crying for a Vision [Library Binding]

Walter Wangerin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994

On a journey of self-discovery, Waskn Mani, a Lakota Indian orphan with unusual powers, finds his life intertwined with that of Fire Thunder, a hunter with a thirst for war. By the author of Book of the Dun Cow.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Wangerin's (Branta and the Golden Stone) epic account of a boy's sacrifice to save a Native American nation from the aftermath of a near-apocalyptic war works both as myth and as a story of the Lakota people. Moves Walking, a young orphan with mysterious spiritual powers, is ostracized for his reluctance to learn hunting and battle skills. Ultimately, however, he must use his gifts to combat the blood lust of the warrior Fire Thunder. Maddened by unrequited love for Rattling Hail Woman (who becomes the wife of a star in the sky), Fire Thunder leads the Lakota nation into a tragic war with the Crow. Wangerin powerfully conveys the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the Lakota as he unfolds this stirring adventure. He deepens the complexity of the tale by incorporating brief accounts told by different characters, thus infusing his work with the flavor of oral storytelling. A memorable contribution. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up?This complex and absorbing novel of good and evil, sacrifice and redemption, paints a picture of Lakota culture while illuminating universal truths. A too-brief summary would suggest (incorrectly) that the plot is cliched and predictable: a young man, child of a human woman and a celestial being (a star) is chosen (or chooses?) to give his life for the salvation of his people. A comprehensive plot summary, however, is well beyond the scope of a short review, as Wangerin's narrative is both episodic and cohesive, suspenseful and inevitable, densely detailed and fluidly presented. Suffice it to say that the story of Lakota orphan Waskn Mani (Moves Walking) offers readers an unusual opportunity to glimpse a mythic past and enter a world in which the interconnectedness of all beings is emphasized. The dangers of disconnection are made only too obvious by the ravages of war, famine, and despair. Wangerin's use of language is smooth and compelling, complementing the narrative's structure, which resembles an intricate weaving. The story is not told in a strictly linear, chronological fashion, but is created by combining different parts, told from various perspectives. The book's challenging structure, sophisticated vocabulary, and strongly spiritual theme suggest that it will be enjoyed most by thoughtful readers in search of an imaginative, allegorical novel rather than a simple adventure story. Those able to appreciate this masterfully told tale will be richly rewarded.?Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 15 and up
  
• Library Binding: 279 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Juv); First Edition edition (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671799118
• ISBN-13: 978-0671799113
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,869,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Walter Wangerin Jr. is widely recognized as one of the most gifted writers writing today on the issues of faith and spirituality. Starting with the renowned Book of the Dun Cow, Wangerin's writing career has encompassed most every genre: fiction, essay, short story, children's story, meditation, and biblical exposition. His writing voice is immediately recognizable, and his fans number in the millions. The author of over forty books, Wangerin has won the National Book Award, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallions, including best-fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Okay, that was different., May 24, 2004

By 

K Watson (OR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crying for a Vision (Hardcover)

This powerful novel makes you feel like you are in a different culture. I'm no Lakota, and cannot speak to the authenticity of culture portrayed by this Lutheran pastor. All the characters, including the "villain", are multi-dimensional. It made me think about the meaning of success, relationships, loyalty, and societal change, among other things. Maybe the Lutheran/Lakota thing is why this novel (right word?) has not been more successful. I'm glad for the new edition, with a lengthy addition about Wangerin attending a Sun Dance. My son, a reader of integrity, liked it too, said it was now on his Top 5 List, if he had one.

The Amazon listing recommends this for ages 9-12. That's a bad idea. As a former 5th grade teacher, I can tell you that few middle graders will enjoy this book. Adults, do not be chased off by this inexplicable recommendation. Not that there's anything really R-rated or anything in it, but this book is a terrific choice for adults or mature older teens.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary and Original, September 12, 2006

By 

William R. Anglin (Buford, Ga United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Crying for a Vision (Hardcover)

Only Walter Wangerin, Jr. could've written a novel of such vast scope. This beautiful (and often frightening) tale of the lives of the Lakota tribe is woven with such mysticism, power and amazing imagery that it stands as one of Wangerin's most effective works to date. I've always been a huge fan of the author, but this book sat on my shelves for over a year. Not being at all knowledgeable about Indian lore and beliefs, I quite possibly assumed that I might not be as interested in this book as in other more "accessible" works by Wangerin. But at the end of the book, I truly felt...well...honored...that I had been allowed to have spent that time learning about such a culture..even in a work of fiction. There is so much dignity, beauty, and transcendent truth about the Lakota people in these pages, that I was overwhelmed. And Wangerin's lengthy and extraordinary "afterward" section where he details his own experiences attending a "Fire Dance" over a period of a few days is as moving as the novel itself. From a reader who has had nothing but the highest praise for many of Wangerin's other works, "The Crying For A Vision" stands as one of his masterworks.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read, February 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Crying for a Vision (Library Binding)

This book weaves a wonderful web of a Lakota oral tradition along side a capivating hero. It was so absorbing that I felt as if I faced the characters obstacles along side him.