For all its cultural significance, Thanksgiving remains surprisingly absent from much of literature, especially when compared to the abundance of Christmas stories that dominate the shelves. Gathering to share a meal and give thanks is a beloved custom for many families. Still, it often glosses over the holiday’s fraught origins—the histories of the Native communities who inhabited this land long before European settlers arrived. In his celebrated 2018 novel, There There, Tommy Orange gives voice to these communities, weaving a poignant and urgent narrative that highlights their stories, struggles, and resilience.
The novel intertwines the lives of twelve characters, each navigating the complexities of their Native American identity while living in the urban landscape of Oakland, California. Through their stories, themes of heritage, belonging, and survival emerge, revealing the challenges of maintaining cultural ties in a world that often marginalizes or distorts Indigenous experiences.
Take Orvil Red Feather, a teenager yearning to reconnect with his roots. With the adults in his life intent on shielding him from their shared identity, Orvil takes it upon himself to learn about his culture. Then there’s Dene Oxendene, an aspiring documentarian committed to preserving Native stories and ensuring their history endures. In contrast, Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield struggles with embracing her heritage, as doing so forces her to confront the painful past that continues to haunt her.
These individuals and others find their lives converging at the Big Oakland Powwow. For some, the event symbolizes cultural celebration and tradition. For others, it becomes the setting for an unforeseen tragedy.
In There There, Tommy Orange crafts a powerful and intricately woven story of a community shaped by the weight of its collective trauma. Initially, juggling the perspectives of twelve characters felt a bit disorienting as I worked to keep track of each individual’s story. However, as their narratives began to intersect, I became captivated by their journeys, eager to see how Orange would bring them together.
The Big Oakland Powwow serves as the novel’s focal point, providing a clear trajectory for the narrative while heightening the tension as the event draws near. What should be a day of cultural celebration is overshadowed by an impending foreboding, adding a gripping layer of suspense. Themes of displacement, addiction, resilience, and community pulse through the novel, framed by a poignant commentary on the enduring consequences of colonization.
The climax at the powwow is as devastating as it is profound, forcing both characters and readers to grapple with cycles of violence and the strength required to endure. There There is a profoundly moving and deeply impactful novel, one that sheds light on stories often overlooked and challenges readers to consider the layered history of the land they call home.
For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads.
(2024, 88)
These characters sound like they go through a lot.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely do!
DeleteI've heard good things about this one; it sounds like a very emotionally impactful read. I remember reading Sam's review of this one over at Book Chase back in March and how he said he liked the characters and the different stories, but not the ending.
ReplyDeleteThe ending is tough to stomach. I don't know that I liked it, but I understand why things end the way they do.
DeleteI must admit that 12 characters feel a bit too many...I'm not sure they could drive the point home for me. I loved your review though!
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot from the start, but once I realized how they connected, it became much easier to follow.
Delete"feel like"
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This sounds like an emotional and profound read.
ReplyDeleteVery much so!
DeleteIt sounds deep. I once watched this show that brought up Thanksgiving and native americans, Their feelings about it
ReplyDeleteIt is a very complex history and one that is often overlooked.
DeleteYes, the origins of Thanksgiving have become controversial. America has such a turbulent past. Twelve perspectives is a lot. Oakland is not a place I like to visit. I'm nervous to even drive through there. Lots of crime!
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for us to reckon with that past, as turbulent as it was. It kind of reminded me of when I visited the African American History Museum in DC. Our history of racism is undeniable, but there is power in acknowledging and learning from it, even as we continue to work towards a more just world.
DeleteI totally agree, Ethan! It's important to learn about, remember and learn from the past and check our own prejudices now.
DeleteI've had this book on my TBR forever! It sounds like such a powerful piece. I've been reluctant to jump in because of the POVs, even though I know it will be worth it. Glad to hear you recommend it? Too.
ReplyDeleteIt can be challenging at times, but I really got into the story and the characters. I definitely recommend it!
DeleteI thought for sure I had commented on this review. I guess the the ethers gobbled up my comment. lol Sounds like there's a lot going on in this one.
ReplyDeleteSorry, your first comment was flagged as spam, and I just got to filtering through them all! I realized during Thanksgiving that I needed a brief break from the blog, so I'm just now jumping back in.
DeleteThis sounds like one that sticks with you.
ReplyDeleteIt does!
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