The Surrounded

The Surrounded is a 1936 novel by D'Arcy McNickle, set on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana's Sniél-emen Valley. The story centers on Archilde Leon, a young man of mixed Salish and Spanish heritage, who returns to his father's ranch after living in Portland. Upon his homecoming, Archilde confronts tensions between his Euro-American and Salish identities while navigating complex family relationships. The narrative follows his attempts to reconnect with his cultural roots and repair bonds with his parents amid mounting legal troubles and community pressures. The novel presents broader questions about identity, belonging, and survival in early 20th century Native American life. Through Archilde's experiences, McNickle examines the challenges faced by Indigenous people caught between traditional ways of life and the forces of modernization.

Readers describe The Surrounded as a complex portrayal of Native American life in the early 1900s that avoids stereotypes. Many note its realistic depiction of cultural conflicts and identity struggles. Readers appreciate: - The authentic representation of Salish customs and traditions - The nuanced characters, especially protagonist Archilde Leon - The detailed Montana landscape descriptions - The honest exploration of reservation life Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third of the book - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered - Some dated language and attitudes - Multiple plotlines that can be hard to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (241 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Sample reader comment: "McNickle writes with an insider's knowledge but an outsider's perspective - making the cultural clashes accessible to all readers" (Goodreads reviewer) Note: Limited online reviews available as this book is often read in academic settings.

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🔸 McNickle wrote this groundbreaking novel while working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, drawing from his personal experiences as a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 🔸 The book's title "The Surrounded" refers to the Salish people's traditional name for the Mission Valley - "The Place of the Surrounded" - where mountains envelope the tribal lands. 🔸 Originally published in 1936, the novel was one of the first works of fiction by a Native American author to receive national attention and critical acclaim. 🔸 The story's setting, the Flathead Reservation, was significantly impacted by the 1904 Flathead Allotment Act, which opened reservation lands to white settlement - a historical context crucial to the novel's themes. 🔸 McNickle revised and rewrote major portions of the novel multiple times between 1927 and 1936, originally titling it "The Hungry Generations" before settling on "The Surrounded."