The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
By: Stephen Graham Jones
About This Book
"A chilling historical horror novel set in the American west in 1912 following a Lutheran priest who transcribes the life of a vampire who haunts the fields of the Blackfeet reservation looking for justice. A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar life over a series of confessional visits. This is an American Indian revenge story written by one of the new masters of horror, Stephen Graham Jones."--
AI Overview
Title: "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" by Stephen Graham Jones
Plot Summary: "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" is a historical horror novel set in the American West in 1912. The story revolves around a Lutheran priest named Arthur Beaucarne, who transcribes the life of a vampire named Good Stab, a Blackfoot man. The narrative is framed by the journal entries of Arthur Beaucarne, which are discovered by his great-great granddaughter, Etsy Beaucarne, in 2012. The novel delves into the supernatural and historical aspects, particularly focusing on the Marias Massacre of 1870, where the US Army broke a promise of protection and murdered over 200 Blackfeet people, mostly women, children, and the elderly.
As Arthur's journal progresses, it reveals that Good Stab periodically appears at his church, sharing his fantastic history. This is intertwined with the discovery of mutilated and painted bodies in the vicinity, which heightens Arthur's alarm and guilt. The novel explores themes of vengeance, guilt, and the supernatural, creating a gothic and nightmarish atmosphere.
Key Themes:
- Historical Trauma: The novel highlights the historical trauma inflicted on the Blackfeet tribe by the US Army, particularly the Marias Massacre.
- Supernatural Vengeance: The character of Good Stab serves as a vampire seeking justice for the decimation of his tribe and family.
- Guilt and Repression: Arthur Beaucarne's guilt over the historical events and his repressed emotions are central to the narrative.
- Cultural Exploration: The novel explores the intersection of Blackfoot culture and the supernatural, adding depth to the horror genre.
Critical Reception:
- Unique Experience: Reviewers have praised the book for its unique blend of historical and supernatural elements, creating a chilling and profound reading experience.
- Horror Fans' Satisfaction: The book has been noted for its careful balance of the sanguinary and suspenseful, making it satisfying for horror fans.
- Instant New York Times Bestseller: The novel has achieved instant New York Times bestseller status, indicating its significant impact and popularity.
Overall, "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter" is a complex and thought-provoking novel that combines historical horror with supernatural elements, offering a rich and unsettling reading experience.