Narrative of My Captivity Among the Sioux Indians

"Narrative of My Captivity Among the Sioux Indians" by Fanny Kelly retells the terrifying true story of a woman kidnapped by the Sioux in 1864 after a devastating attack on her group as they traveled to Idaho. Kelly's memoir shares a raw glimpse into Sioux culture and the harsh reality of her time as a captive. Initially, Kelly recalls her carefree life in Canada and her family's excited trip west but that is dramatically interrupted by the sudden attack and the loss of life. Kelly recounts the overwhelming chaos, being separated from her husband and child, and the fear she faced in a strange land. She also introduces Mary, a little girl who was with her, emphasizing the importance of relationships in moments of strife. The beginning of the book highlights Kelly's strength when faced with hardship, and also hints at the difficulties she would come to endure facing almost certain death.