House Made of Dawn tells a poignant story of a young Native American man named Abel, whose journey intertwines personal struggles with cultural heritage. The narrative opens at dawn in a canyon, setting a reflective mood that persists throughout the novel. Themes including Abel’s loneliness, difficulty in communication, and the deep connection between humanity and nature are introduced early on. The opening scene foreshadows the book’s conclusion with the image of Abel running, symbolizing his ongoing quest for belonging and identity.

Abel's Return

After serving in the army during World War II, Abel returns to his native reservation in 1945. His grandfather, Francisco, arrives with a horse-drawn wagon to collect him from the bus station. Intoxicated and disoriented, Abel hardly recognizes Francisco as he staggers into the wagon. Upon awakening in Francisco's home, Abel reflects on haunting memories from childhood on the reservation, such as eerie winds and a snake's dramatic journey through the sky, as well as his traumatic war experiences.

Father Olguin, a Catholic missionary, becomes another focal point of the story as he serves the reservation's community. He encounters Angela St. John, a pregnant woman from Los Angeles seeking relief in the local mineral baths for her back pain. Her visit prompts Father Olguin to suggest a local helper for chopping wood, leading Abel to Angela's door. Although he completes the task without speaking to her, this meeting marks the beginning of a significant connection.

Fateful Encounters

During a traditional Santiago feast, Abel joins a contest steeped in local legend. Participants race toward a rooster buried in the ground, attempting to retrieve it. Abel struggles in the competition, which is eventually won by an albino man on a black horse, who humiliates Abel by beating him with the retrieved rooster. This public embarrassment sets the stage for subsequent events.

Compelled by curiosity or perhaps something more profound, Abel revisits Angela St. John. She offers him coffee and proposes a more intimate relationship, which Abel accepts, leading to a secretive affair. Despite Father Olguin's subsequent admonitions regarding her actions, Angela remains unapologetic about her choices.

Post-festival, Abel finds himself in a bar with the albino victor. Their interaction turns violent when, provoked during their walk, Abel fatally stabs the man, an act that later lands him in prison.

Life in Los Angeles

Years later, Abel attempts a fresh start in Los Angeles after serving his sentence. Under the auspices of the Indian Relocation Service, he struggles to navigate the city's complexities. Reverend John Big Bluff Tosamah, a Kiowa and the priest of the Sun, becomes a spiritual guide, sharing ancestral stories with a diverse congregation of Native Americans. These tales offer some solace and connection to Abel, as he builds a tentative new life with the help of Benally, a friend, and Milly, his assigned social worker.

The Struggles of Urban Life

Benally narrates Abel’s turbulent time in Los Angeles, recalling the challenges Abel faces in adapting to urban life. After being released from jail, Abel is placed in a factory job where Benally works. Compassionate and kind, Benally provides shelter and companionship to Abel, sharing both good and challenging times in bars and at the beach.

However, an encounter with Martinez, an aggressive local policeman, exacerbates Abel's struggles. After being unjustly targeted and humiliated, Abel's self-esteem crumbles, leading to a downward spiral of reckless behavior and chronic unemployment. His reliance on alcohol increases, and his relationships and work opportunities deteriorate.

"He went downhill pretty fast after that. Sometimes he was here when I came in from work, and sometimes he wasn't. He was drunk about half the...