Ghost Dance

Ghost Dance follows Edward Chance, a doctor with a troubled past who encounters a Sioux warrior performing the Sun Dance ritual on the American plains. Set against the backdrop of rising tensions between Native Americans and white settlers, the story takes place in the period leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre. The narrative centers on three main characters: Chance, the conflicted physician; Running Horse, a Sioux warrior maintaining tribal traditions; and Lucia Turner, a white woman whose life intersects with both men. As the Ghost Dance movement spreads among the Sioux people, these characters navigate the clash between two civilizations. The novel combines historical events with fictional characters, focusing on the sacred Ghost Dance ritual and its significance to the Sioux people during a time of cultural upheaval. The story tracks the mounting pressure between traditional Native American ways and the expanding American frontier. This work represents a departure from Norman's well-known Gor series, examining themes of cultural preservation, personal transformation, and the price of progress in late 19th century America. The story raises questions about the nature of civilization and the cost of technological advancement.

Readers report Ghost Dance shares similar themes with Norman's Gor series but in a different setting. Reviews are scarce - the book appears to be one of Norman's lesser-known works. Readers noted: - Compelling paranormal/supernatural elements - Strong character development - Intellectual discussions woven into the narrative Common criticisms: - Dense philosophical passages slow the pacing - Writing style can be repetitive - Male characters dominate most of the action From available online ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (based on only 15 ratings) Amazon: 3/5 (based on 2 reviews) One reader on Goodreads wrote: "The supernatural elements work but there's too much philosophizing." An Amazon reviewer noted: "If you enjoy Norman's writing style, you'll appreciate this book, but newcomers may find it challenging." Limited reviews and ratings exist for this title compared to Norman's other works.

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🔸 The Ghost Dance movement, which inspired the book's title, was a spiritual practice that spread across Native American tribes in the 1890s, prophesying the return of their ancestors and traditional way of life. 🔸 The Wounded Knee Massacre (1890) occurred after U.S. troops attempted to disarm Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek, resulting in the deaths of approximately 300 Native Americans, including women and children. 🔸 Author John Norman, whose real name is John Frederick Lange Jr., holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and has taught at several universities, including Queens College and City University of New York. 🔸 The Sun Dance ceremony, featured in the novel, was banned by the U.S. government in 1904 through the Indian Religious Crimes Code and wasn't legally protected until the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. 🔸 The book marks a significant departure from Norman's usual work - he's primarily known for his controversial Gor series of science fiction novels, which spans over 30 books.