Los Angeles, California Dec 11, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Curt Orloff’s new novel, “Thunder in the Wind,” delves into the turbulent history of the late 19th century, offering a poignant look at the cultural erasure faced by Native Americans through the story of the Assiniboine people. Set against the backdrop of America’s “white man's burden” ideology, this gripping historical fiction examines one family's struggle to hold onto their heritage in the face of oppression by the Indian Bureau.
In “Thunder in the Wind,” Orloff tells the story of Miskaw, a young Assiniboine man torn between preserving his cultural identity and adapting to the foreign faith and customs imposed upon his people. While Miskaw’s mother submits to assimilation to protect her family, Miskaw’s response is one of rebellion. As he embraces fear-based tactics to resist the changes, their mother-son conflict becomes a mirror to today’s struggles over cultural preservation and identity. Through Miskaw’s journey, readers witness the deep divisions within the Assiniboine community, and the broader societal implications of forced assimilation.
According to Hollywood Book Review, “the atmosphere which the author created not only brought this conflict to life so realistically, but allowed the reader to see how each side’s particular viewpoints and beliefs influenced how they interacted with one another.” The story offers “powerful themes of cultural assimilation, cultural destruction, and the theme of identity as a whole,” making it a timely allegory for our modern-day societal divides.
With vivid historical detail, “Thunder in the Wind” presents an unflinching look at the painful history of America’s treatment of Native Americans, while emphasizing the resilience of those who fought to preserve their way of life. This novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past to build a better future.
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