Review: Killers of the Flower Moon
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4 stars. I don't know why I continue to be astounded by the sheer amount of hate and greed in this world, but it shocks me still. The depths to which people will go for money or power or to serve their own egos ... it is heartbreaking and infuriating and, in this case, tragic. An entire race targeted and murdered for money - history has taught us these lessons over and over and we don't learn. We still haven't learned.
Horror aside, I really enjoyed reading this story. With a well-written, succinct style, David Grann chronicles the Reign of Terror, a period of time in the 1920's during which members of the Osage Indian tribe were murdered for their oil money. He gives us villains and heroes and cowboys and secret agents and shocks us with the twists and turns of the incredible conspiracy. Considering how committed men were to covering up the crimes, Grann is able to tell the story with detail.
And I enjoyed that. I enjoyed learning about this untold piece of history and strengthening my knowledge of why the justice system - and in some cases, why the government - is the way it is today. Grann is honest about the widespread corruption in local politics and also, almost surprisingly, honest about Hoover's extreme bureaucratic methods in the early days of the FBI. Every thread he pulled uncovered something interesting and foreboding.
In some ways, justice was served. But my emotions and thoughts upon finishing are complex. It was a relief to read about the "victories," and it gives me a shred of hope that decent individuals exist and will continue to fight the good fight for the unseen and unheard. But there is so much anger that this happened in the first place. Another atrocity committed in my country sorely overlooked and ignored. I'm so glad I read this and learned. Everyone needs to.