N. Scott Momaday's voice resonates with the spirit of Native American heritage, transporting listeners to the sacred, red earth of his tribe. He views his extensive writings as a single, unfolding narrative, drawing inspiration from both American and European literary traditions, as well as the profound stories of the Kiowa and other tribal peoples. Momaday is a fierce advocate for preserving the unique identity of Native Americans, believing it to be their most precious essence. Through his literary contributions and initiatives like The Buffalo Trust, he ensures that these vital traditions are passed on, understanding that in oral tradition, stories are not merely told but are realities lived and believed.
House Made of Dawn, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1969, tells the story of a young American Indian named Abel, home from a foreign war and caught between two worlds: one his father's, wedding him to the rhythm of the seasons and the harsh beauty of the land; the other of industrial America, a goading him into a compulsive cycle of dissipation and disgust.