Life Among the Piutes: The First Autobiography of a Native American Woman: First Meeting of Piutes and Whites, Domestic and Social Moralities

By Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins

Book Overview

In "Life Among the Piutes," Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins presents a poignant and detailed autobiographical account of her experiences as a Northern Paiute woman. Through a series of vignettes, she weaves together narratives that highlight the cultural practices, challenges, and resilience of her community in the face of encroaching settler colonialism. Written in a compelling narrative style that blends personal reflection with broader socio-political commentary, the book stands as an important work within the context of 19th-century American literature and Indian autobiographies, evidencing both connections and tensions between Indigenous and Euro-American cultures. Winnemucca's eloquent prose is complemented by her passionate advocacy for Native rights, as she sheds light on the injustices suffered by her people, enriching the text with both emotional depth and historical gravitas. Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, a descendant of the Paiute tribe, was one of the first Native American women to publish a book in the United States. Her personal experiences, along with her role as a mediator and educator throughout her life, endowed her with unique insights into the cultural disintegration caused by colonization. Inspired by her desire to bridge gaps between Native and non-Native peoples, her advocacy work influenced her writing, allowing her to provide a firsthand account that is both intimate and incisive. This book is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Indigenous identities and the impact of colonialism. Winnemucca's compelling narrative not only serves as an historical document but also as a timeless reminder of the strength and perseverance of Native cultures. "Life Among the Piutes" offers readers an invaluable perspective on American history and is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersections of race, culture, and identity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8027333954
• ISBN13: 9788027333950
• Release Date: October 2019
• Publisher: Madison & Adams Press
• Length: 124 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Life Among The Piutes

The amazing story by an amazing woman. I hate to read but could hardly put it down. I wont read a "novel" there are books like this that have more adventure and they are true. The "errors" are totally forgivable, especially when you get to be my age, working on my eighth decade. You will understand that statement after you read the two books about this book. Read them last. Read about their survival customs first to really appreciate this book.

Life Among the Piutes: Their wrongs and claims.

The book was all there needed it for a class. It was readable and perfectly okay to read once.

typical expectations

Sarah Winnemucca's story is told with a dry edge. The sufferings she and the Paiutes endure draw the reader in, but at the same time, the author creates a distance between her identity and the rest of the worlds'. Many details of her life are left out, primarily focusing on tribal activity, government oppression, and her own diverse involvements between the two. The book leaves one feeling depressed, yet intrigued by a flourishing curiosity. One can only read about death, rape, disease, and war so often in one text before the "guilt" sets in. Life among the Piutes is exactly what anyone would expect given the history and culture. Part of what makes it such a good read is the initial expectation of readers from non-native or non-natively educated backgrounds. It provides a comfortable transition from stereotypical expectations to the deep truths, injustices, and cultures of American Indians. It's an easy read that tells the dark tale of one of many oppressed Native tribes and provokes a quest for knowledge thereafter; a vital tool for any person dealing with preconceived notions concerning an entire race of people with a thirst for truth.

From the True Perspective of a Native American

This book is a little difficult to read and understand at times due to the archaic language, but is definitely a worthy read. It tells the story you never learned in your history class in school. From the beginning legend of how the Native Americans became estranged from their White Brothers who were banished across the seas to the Paiute Elder telling everyone to rejoice in the return of the White Brothers is fascinating yet heartbreaking. We all know it didn't turn out so well for the Native Americans. In reading Sarah's story, which is written from the heart, it is easy to see how the Native Americans were exploited, treated as less than human and moved around like pawns to suit the white man's interest. I have the utmost respect for Sarah and her courage to speak up for her people. I also have the greatest respect for those who have followed, speaking her truths. Wake up people, we are on the wrong track. Bless you Sarah Winnemucca for your wonderful book and your attempts to make things right!

Life Among the Paiutes

I read Winnemucca's autobiography for a Native American History class at University and found it to be excellently written! She was such a powerful role model for Indian women during the time and was greatly respected for her role in the Indian community! Although some feminists may critique her for not standing up for her people at some points in her life, her contributions to the Paiutes have made her one of their most revered members over history. As I read this book I was in awe of how great of a woman Sarah must have been considering the time she lived and how priceless her stories are!