Throughout the book, Grann uses historical evidence, both first and secondhand accounts, figurative language, and metaphors to highlight The Culture and Resilience of the Osage Nation. Although Grann focuses on a specific atrocity committed against the Osage Nation in the early 20th century, he also provides important historical background to emphasize the pattern of resilience in the Osage Nation in the face of prejudice and hardship. The Osage Tribe originally hails from Kansas, but as white settlers push farther west, they begin to harass and murder the Osage people because they want their land. The Osage Nation aren’t the only ones targeted by civilians; the US government orders civilians to kill all of the buffalo, a major food and materials source for the Osage, to try to force integration of Indigenous people. The Osage move farther west themselves and buy land in Oklahoma. In the face of civilian and governmental targeting, the Osage people fight to maintain their tribal identity.

Grann also explores The Culture and Resilience of the Osage Nation through individual tribe members such as Mollie Burkhart. Mollie is the reader’s entry point into the story and the world and customs of the Osage Nation.