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Crow Killer: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson

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'Crow Killer: The Saga of Liver-Eating Johnson' portrays the life of John Johnston, a mountain man with a vengeful vendetta against the Crow Indians after they killed his Flathead wife, leading to a pursuit filled with violence and eventual reconciliation. The narrative delves into Johnston's brutal exploits, his ability to exhibit kindness amidst violence, and his legendary status in the Wild West, challenging the romanticized Hollywood portrayals of cowboys and Indians. The writing style blends factual storytelling with mythic accounts, offering readers an insight into the harsh realities of the Old West and the complexities of frontier life.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines factual storytelling with a fictional narrative approach, making it accessible and engaging.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around John Johnston's life, highlighting his violent actions, historical events, and conflicts with Native American tribes.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the challenging and untamed American frontier during the 19th century, highlighting its dangers.

Pacing:

The pacing generally maintains a fast tempo, although some parts can seem repetitive.

Notes:

The book Crow Killer focuses on the life of John Johnston, also known as Liver-Eating Johnson.
It offers insights into the violent and dangerous life of frontiersmen in the American West.
The character is known from the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson, which is based on his life.
The book includes historical references and comparisons to events from the past.
Johnston's vendetta against the Crow tribe for the murder of his Flathead wife is a central theme.
Surprisingly, Johnston formed a later alliance with the Crow tribe, showing a complex character.
The stories in the book are based on oral history from various sources, some dating back many years.
The book captures the gritty and brutal reality of life on the frontier, including scalping and violence from both settlers and Native Americans.
The writing style of the book may not appeal to everyone, as it reads more like a novel than traditional history.
Several readers appreciate the book for its factual basis and detailed account of mountain man life.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes high content warnings due to its graphic depictions of violence, scalping, and the brutal realities of life during the American frontier.

From The Publisher:

The true story (on which the film Jeremiah Johnson was partially based) of John Johnson, who in 1847 found his wife and her unborn child had been killed by Crow braves. Out of this tragedy came one of the most gripping feuds - one man against a whole tribe - in American history.

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