Summary

The year is 1964 and Crystal Thunder is a senior at Saint Mary's High School. She considers herself an outcast because of the feelings the other Sioux have for her mother, Anna Thunder. Crystal's relationship with Anna is complicated. For the most part, Crystal has positive memories of her young childhood. Anna was affectionate and loving. As she grows older, though, she begins to wonder why the other Indians dislike Anna so much. She also begins to wonder where her father is.

When Crystal was fifteen years old she learns her father is buried in the Catholic cemetery. Crystal learns he died in 1946, the year Crystal was born. When Crystal goes home she confronts Anna about her father. To Crystal's surprise, Anna doesn't immediately dismiss the subject. Anna explains he was a Korean War veteran who was mentally damaged by his experiences. Anna gives Crystal some information...