Here is a Social Justice Review guest post from my LibraryThing friend Janet (streamsong). Thanks Janet!
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven By Sherman Alexie
This is the first book by Alexie that I’ve read, although I’ve read several other authors whose work centers on reservation life. I’ve found the genre tends to be bleak and shocking, focusing on the lack of opportunity and justice and the overabundance of despair. It’s a story that needs to be told, but sometimes repetition of victim-hood can lead to desensitization as to the humanity behind the stories.
While the first few short stories of this collection echoed many of these themes, I also found much more humor and love –love both of his people and their love for each other- than in other accounts. He mixes a bit of ancient times and vision quest into a magical realism element in several stories.
I was thoroughly won over by Alexie’s portrayal. He’s a marvelous spokesperson for his people and the experience of being Indian in the 20th century (originally published 1993). I will definitely look for others by him.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven By Sherman Alexie
This is the first book by Alexie that I’ve read, although I’ve read several other authors whose work centers on reservation life. I’ve found the genre tends to be bleak and shocking, focusing on the lack of opportunity and justice and the overabundance of despair. It’s a story that needs to be told, but sometimes repetition of victim-hood can lead to desensitization as to the humanity behind the stories.
While the first few short stories of this collection echoed many of these themes, I also found much more humor and love –love both of his people and their love for each other- than in other accounts. He mixes a bit of ancient times and vision quest into a magical realism element in several stories.
I was thoroughly won over by Alexie’s portrayal. He’s a marvelous spokesperson for his people and the experience of being Indian in the 20th century (originally published 1993). I will definitely look for others by him.
I like the idea that the author seems to mix a variety of eclectic elements in a book like this.
ReplyDeleteYeah, and I'm a fan of Alexie, so I'll hopefully read this book soon. :)
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