This novel is a powerful exploration of Native American life in the 1950s, centered around the efforts of a Chippewa council night watchman, who is also a former tribal chairman, as he fights against a Congressional emancipation bill that threatens the rights and identities of Native American people. Through a rich tapestry of interconnected stories, the narrative weaves together the lives of several characters living on a North Dakota reservation, including a young woman who moves to the city in search of a better life, only to face unexpected challenges. The book is a poignant examination of community, culture, and the struggle for sovereignty, imbued with the author's deep understanding of the resilience and complexities of Native American life.

The 6413th greatest book of all time