This book was highly recommended on several sites online, but I was disappointed. Although I usually enjoy historical fiction and often read books about Native American culture and history, but this one just didn't grab me. I gave up just over half-way. I did not find the characters intriguing, endearing, or even interesting. The "action" was sometimes quite brutal (although I'm sure accurately portrayed), but I just could not muster the necessary empathy to continue reading. I guess it's just not the book for me.

This was a fantastic novel by author Kathleen Grissom, and is set in the 1850s through 1870s along the Montana-Canada border and within Crow and Nakoda territories.

A young Crow woman is born in the 1850s in Montana and was called Goes First. Grissom shows us her childhood, her relationships with her parents, and with the other members of her tribe, and the beautiful relationship she forged with an elder. These people gave her skills, support and strength. We get a great sense also of the tensions between the Crows and their neighbouring tribe, the Sioux, as well as the growing influence of colonisers on their lands, their health, and the deleterious effects on their cultures.

Goes First marries white fur trader Abe Farwell in 1872, and travelled with him to a trading post far from her family. Farwell was sympathetic to the indigenous, unlike the other whites at the fort, who range from casually to violently racist.

Crow Mary, as she's renamed, later travels with Farwell to Saskatchewan to another trading post in Nakoda land, and there becomes friends with Jeannie Dubois, another indigenous woman married also to a white man. Crow Mary and she support and rely on each other, and Mary improves her English with Jeannie's help.

After a massacre of Nakoda by white men, Mary is outraged, but Farwell counsels her to do nothing as this would affect his relationship with other traders. Mary had become good friends with some of the Nakoda women who were subsequently captured by the men who massacred their families, so Mary takes it upon herself to rescue these women.

Farwell eventually agrees to accuse the men in court, but suffers a blow to his reputation amongst whites. Mary and Farwell both testify against the men, and Farwell never recovers his equanimity, succumbing to alcoholism, which has a terrible effect on his marriage.

Grissom writes with sensitivity about Goes First and her upbringing, as well as the difficulties Crow Mary encountered in her dealings with Farwell's peers and fellow traders.

This was a gripping story, with its titular character brought vividly to life.

I particularly enjoyed reading Nedra Farwell Brown's introduction to this novel, and how this helped to further bring Goes First to life in this wonderful, fiction-based retelling of her ancestor's life.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

"Crow Mary" by Kathleen Grissom is a historical novel that vividly portrays the life of a Native American woman during a challenging era in American history. Through eloquent writing and detailed imagery, Grissom brings to life the experiences of Mary Crow Dog, a member of the Crow Nation, as she faces the trials of her culture and the pressures of colonial expansion.

Set in the late 19th century, the novel captures a time of significant upheaval for Native Americans. Grissom skillfully illustrates the complexities of Mary's identity as she navigates her tribal heritage alongside the difficult realities imposed by settlers. The story delves into Mary's relationships with her family, community, and the land, offering a touching depiction of the connections that define her identity and values.

A key aspect of "Crow Mary" is its exploration of themes like resilience, love, and cultural preservation. Grissom's characters are well-developed, allowing readers to empathize with their emotions and struggles as they confront survival challenges and the impact of historical events. Mary's journey is both personal and universal, resonating with anyone who has faced adversity and sought their place in the world.

Grissom's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the narrative. She respectfully integrates Crow culture, traditions, and spirituality, providing readers with an authentic understanding of the community and its values. This cultural authenticity enriches the story, enabling readers to connect more deeply with Mary's experiences.

The novel's pacing is well-balanced, offering moments of reflection alongside the unfolding drama of Mary's life. Grissom's evocative writing captures the beauty of the natural world, contrasting it with the harsh realities faced by Mary and her people. This duality adds depth to the narrative and enhances the reading experience.

In conclusion, "Crow Mary" is a powerful and moving historical novel that offers a profound exploration of identity, culture, and resilience. Kathleen Grissom has crafted a compelling story that honors the strength of Native American women while shedding light on the broader historical context of their struggles. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, indigenous narratives, or stories of empowerment. "Crow Mary" will resonate long after the final page, leaving readers with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of history and the enduring spirit of the human heart.

Crow Mary is a powerful, beautifully written novel inspired by the true story of Goes First, a Crow woman who marries a white fur trader in 1872 and navigates two worlds. As a fan of Grissom’s earlier works, particularly The Kitchen House, I was excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint.

At the heart of the story is Mary’s courage and resilience. Grissom portrays her as a deeply complex character, rooted in her Crow heritage but determined to adapt to the challenges of her new life. When Mary witnesses a horrifying massacre and rescues five Nakota women from captivity, her bravery shines. This act sets off a chain of events testing her marriage, her identity, and her place in a world that often dismisses women like her.

Grissom’s attention to historical detail is remarkable. She vividly captures the beauty of the natural world and the harsh realities of 19th-century life. The Cypress Hills and Montana landscapes come alive, as do the cultural tensions and struggles within Mary’s marriage to Abe Farwell.

The novel’s strength lies in balancing sweeping historical events with an intimate portrait of one woman’s life. Crow Mary’s journey is one of grit, love, and survival, and her story resonates deeply. This is historical fiction at its best—immersive, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. Fans of Grissom and anyone who loves stories of extraordinary women will admire Crow Mary. 5 stars.

** Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.

Really, really wish this was on the radar of more
Booksellers. This would be a fantastic handsell to anyone who loves historical fiction and should be an anchor point on a historical fiction table!

I really enjoyed this book! I have loved Kathleen Grissom's other books so I could hardly wait to read this one by her! "Kitchen House" and "Glory Over Everything"
I also learned so much about the Crow Indians while reading this book. It curdles my blood to know how the white man treated the Indians. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace set without dwelling on one situation for pages and pages. . I am quite certain I would have been a friend to Crow Mary.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for an honest review!
I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars

Another beautifully researched book by this author, cementing herself in my top 10. Lovely writing of a disturbing story based on real events. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Excellent book. Crow Mary married a white trader but she kept her culture with her. This book is based on a true woman who saved kidnapped indigenous women from horrible white men. Highly recommend.

Another 5 star read from Kathleen Grissom!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this advanced readers copy. Crow Mary published June 2023.

This is one of the best books I ever expect to read in my lifetime, and I don't know if anything I write can do it justice. Over the course of the book, you see how life changes for the indigenous peoples of the northwest and never for the better. Goes First was the real name of the woman later known as Crow Mary.

The first part of the book is about Goes First's life with her family and tribe, and their customs. Reading raptly, I fell into the rhythm of the nomadic life of the Crow - following the buffalo and game, visiting spots where they knew that food or medicinal plants grew, back in the days with the buffalo herds were vast and the earth shook under the thunder of their hooves. I had not realized that the herds changed the very ecology of the land.

When Goes First and Abe Farwell married, the preacher refused to put her 'heathen' name on the marriage license and suggested 'Mary'. Since there was more than one Mary in their group, she became known as Crow Mary. She and Abe were mostly happy, despite his intermitent drinking problem, until he broke her trust completely. He never broke her spirit.

I received an e-arc of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! I had a major hangover after reading it. The characters and setting just leap off the page. This book is well research and the writing is top notch with amazing detail. I could not put it down.

This is an auto read author for me. Her take on historical events coupled with excellent writing make for a great reading experience. Like her other books, this one includes some very hard to read history. The treatment of the native people was horrific. Crow Mary was incredibly brave woman to face down murderers. I loved learning about native traditions but it was hard to read about the brutality they faced.

It’s 1872 and 16-year-old Goes First, a Crow girl, finds herself marrying a White fur trader. His name is Abe Farwell and after she becomes his wife, she comes to be known as Crow Mary. Based on a true story, Mary leaves her family behind and tries to bridge the gap between the Indian and White ways. She wants her children to fit in and know how to speak English, but she also wants them to speak her language and learn her Native ways.

Grissom tackles many issues such as alcohol abuse, Native children being sent to boarding schools to learn White ways, cruelty toward Indigenous people and constant animosity and bigotry. Mary takes a stand to save members of another tribe when an atrocity takes place. While others turn their backs, she takes action. She is strong willed and a good shot – someone who should not be trifled with.

The real Mary’s life is a springboard to uncover the hardships and cruelty inflicted by the settlers who deem the land to be their rightful property. Their condescension toward the Indians and their culture becomes outrageous as children are stolen from their families and sent away for re-education. Tribal lands are also stolen and there are no consequences for raping and murdering indigenous people.

Mary refuses to be cowed and stands up for her beliefs. Though forced to submit to many of the harsh realities of the treatment of people like her, she continues to uphold her traditions. Her relationship with Farwell undergoes a great transformation and yet she stands strong. A compelling tale of the struggle against inequality and abuses by usurpers who hold the reins of power.

Why is this book not on all the great lists of 2023?
I DEVOURED this book. Definitely one of my best reads of 2024. Based on a true story.
Goes First lives her strong Crow tribe - deep in traditions, lore and pride. After a tragedy, Goes First agrees to marry Abe Farwell. The truth of an Ingenious woman's experience in Montana in the 1870's - harsh weather, harsh stereotypes, harsh treatment, total lack of justice and law, sexism.
Crow Mary rose up to each challenge, felt her fear, and did it all.
This book will stay with me for a long time.

I had really high expectations of this book b/c I adored Grissom's first 2 books. While I don't know as though this one quite lived up to my expectations it was still a very intriguing book. I think Grissom was trying to stay as close to the true story as possible and b/c of that wasn't able to spin a tale like in her previous books. Not a new favorite, but still a solid read.

US pub date: 6/6/23
Genre: historical fiction
Quick summary: Goes First leaves her Crow community to marry Abe Farwell, who names her Mary, and move to Saskatchewan. Despite their early love, he resents her desire to remain connected to her Crow heritage, forcing her to make difficult decisions for herself and her children.

I heard about this book from some trusted bookstagrammers, and I can't believe it took me so long to read it! The story is sweeping in setting given the travel through Canada and the many years of Mary and Abe's lives, but it's also intimate in its exploration of her feelings. I enjoyed learning about the customs of the Crow and seeing how Mary kept her culture in her life. There is a lot of darkness in the narrative as the Crow were pushed onto reservations, but it's important to understand these atrocities, and I'm glad I learned about the real-life woman the story is based on. 4+ stars.

Thank you to Atria Books for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crow Mary is a fascinating look into the life of a woman forced to leave her life and culture to make a life with her new husband. Her bravery and tenacity were unlimited. Crow Mary is for lovers of historical fiction, memoirs, and champions of strong women.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

This historical fiction take on a real-life Native American woman in post-Civil War Montana shocked me. I didn't know any of this history and am glad I got to learn about the indigenous experience at that time. This is a touching and beautiful story written with sensitivity and grace.

Thanks to Atria for the copy to review.

I really enjoyed this book and am so thankful to have an early copy! I was worried this one wouldn't live up to the hype, but it definitely did! ! Thank you so much to netgalley for this advanced readers copy!