An Indigenous person in Canada, I noticed that my book shelf was lacking Indigenous fiction authors. So I took out There There, by Tommy Orange from the library.
The novel is framed through the perspective of 12 Native Indian characters in the US, so makes an easy read as it feels like a series of short stories. But the first section already sets up the premise – all of these characters’ lives are entertwined in some way, mainly from their ancestry but because everyone is going to a huge powwow at the Oakland Coliseum. This is what the story is leading up to. And it’s an explosive climax.
The story holds a level of tension that rises and dissipates. The themes are laid out clear – identity, violence and blood lineages.
I didn’t expect to cry the way I did. The imagery was visceral, it was shocking, but really affected me. I grew up going to many powwows and know dancers, emcees, drummer groups. So I was floored by what was described and I cried like no book has done before.
I’ve always been over indigenous trauma stories – it’s overplayed and there’s so much more to appreciate and love about being Indigenous. I just know that I’m never watching or reading another residential school story. The story here is that they all come from different walks of life – there is trauma, there is lost lineage, finding your roots, connecting with your past and moving forward with it. You can feel Orange’s frustration channeled into character’s thoughts and dialogue. Some people may think it’s preachy but I found it relatable.
There is plenty of trauma here, but I don’t see it as an Indigenous trauma story. The themes are there, but the central conflict is among a group of young men who decide to rob the powwow to better their lives, but instead have unintended but devastating consequences.
It’s short and the format makes it a quick read – I finished it in 2 days. I’d recommend this to anyone. Even tho I just rented it, I went out and bought a copy because I want this on my shelf.
by Dancing_Clean