64 pages • 2 hours read
Thomas KingThe Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King explores the tumultuous history of Indian-White relations in North America, blending storytelling with historical analysis to critique cultural representations, government policies, and ongoing racial tensions. King examines the impact of myths, stereotypes in media, and policies like removal, assimilation, and allotment, while addressing issues of sovereignty and land disputes. The book discusses cultural and systemic challenges faced by Native peoples, driven by historical and contemporary injustices.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Thomas King's The Inconvenient Indian delves deeply into the history and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples in North America. Reviewers praise King's witty, candid writing and thorough research, which elegantly blends humor and sharp criticism. Some consider the narrative style meandering, which may detract from its academic rigor, but overall, it is widely lauded for its engaging and thought-provoking content.
Who Should Read The Inconvenient Indian?
Readers who appreciate nuanced, humorous, and thought-provoking examinations of history and culture, similar to Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, will enjoy Thomas King's The Inconvenient Indian. Those with interests in Indigenous perspectives and social justice narratives will find this work compelling and insightful.