Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom is praised for its vivid historical setting and strong, complex female protagonist. Readers appreciate the depth of cultural insight and Grissom's engaging storytelling. Some critiques mention a slow narrative pace and desire for deeper character development. Overall, it's a compelling read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

Readers who relish historical fiction exploring indigenous cultures with strong female protagonists would appreciate Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom. Similar audiences might enjoy The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich or The Round House for their rich narratives about Native American life.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Dark / Emotional / Contemplative

**Crow Mary/Goes First**  
The protagonist and narrator, she is a resilient Indigenous woman raised with Crow tribe traditions who navigates the challenges imposed by colonization and her life with Abe Farwell.

**Abe Farwell**  
A white fur trader who marries Crow Mary, he struggles to reconcile his colonial beliefs with his love for Crow Mary as they build a life together in Cypress Hills.

**Red Fox**  
Crow Mary's great-uncle, who becomes her mentor and instills in her the Crow values of bravery and cultural resilience.

**Jeannie**  
A Métis woman who becomes Crow Mary's close friend, guiding her through cultural differences and providing support during her transition into white society. 

**Sam Stiller**  
An antagonist in the story, he is a former war comrade of Abe Farwell who embodies the harmful effects of settler colonialism and poses persistent threats to Crow Mary.

Kathleen Grissom

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore Crow Mary and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Crow Mary Summary and Study Guide

Background

Crow Mary Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1

Crow Mary Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 6-12

Crow Mary Part 2, Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-19

Crow Mary Part 2, Chapters 13-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-26

Crow Mary Part 2, Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Crow Mary Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Crow Mary Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Crow Mary Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Crow Mary Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Crow Mary Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Crow Mary Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Crow Mary Essay Topics

Crow Mary

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Crow Mary?

Reading Age

Book Details