Monday, October 15, 2018

Book Review - There There by Tommy Orange


Tommy Orange’s first novel There There is a relentlessly paced multi-generational story about violence and recovery, memory and identity, and the beauty and despair woven into the history of a nation and its people. (cover blurb)

He intertwines twelve characters as they travel to the Big Oakland Pow wow. Each has their reasons – explore traditions, face their heritage, honor family, and question the life and plight of urban Native Americans.  Here is a voice we have never heard – a voice full of poetry and rage, exploding on to the page with stunning urgency and force.  (cover blurb) As a member of the Cheyenne and Apache tribes of Oklahoma, Tommy Orange explores complex history, writes of spirituality, and looks at addictions and abuse as he introduces his characters.  Each character is interesting and complex. They live in a world I’ve not seen, but I’m aware of from current news.

This work of fiction is quite strong, relevant, and thought provoking. I liked his writing and voice and the characters stuck with me even after the final page. There is a There There worth exploring.



11 comments:

  1. A good review Joanne, I like a book which is though provoking makes the reading more interesting.
    Enjoy your week.

    Yvonne.

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    1. thanks. A different setting...made it unique

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  2. There's a lot about native Americans most people don't know about.

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    1. indeed - this gives a fictional peek behind the scenes

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  3. Hi Joanne - I did enjoy the Osage book ...and would really like to read this ... but it'll have to wait - though I'm pleased you've let us know about it. As Alex says we don't understand or know enough ... cheers Hilary

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  4. Sounds powerful and very well done. Thanks for raising awareness to this one, Joanne.
    Enjoy the week.

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  5. Sounds like it will sure get one thinking indeed.

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  6. Sounds both complicated and relevant! Thanks for the review.

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