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zoooeeeggg's review
I will comeback to this bc it’s my cup of tea but there are so many things on so many plates
kayleeaspen's review
5.0
This was my first novel about Native American culture, and people who are looking to diversify their reading and library collections, this is great for understanding Native American literature. Howe does an excellent job of explaining Choctaw culture through her detailed descriptions. She executes her switching from past to present very well, while also clearly showing the reincarnation of kindred spirits within a family lineage. Not only does Howe center her novel around Choctaw culture, but she also centers it around the strength and leadership of women. One thing that I find very unique in Howe's writing style is that she does not specifically write for one single audience. She allows her novel to be accessibly read by fellow Native Americans, as well as people who are not included in Native culture. She invites outsiders into Choctaw culture while creating a space for those who already understand, identify with, and participate in the culture.
hnm2015's review
5.0
Not something I normally pick up but I really loved it. I wish more people talked about this book.
mnboyer's review
4.0
A deeply entertaining story about what happens when Shell Shakers of the past unite with women today that are in need of help, especially when it comes to removing dirty politicians from office. Great story. A lot of traditional Choctaw information woven into a contemporary story. It took me some time to get into the story, but once I did, I could not put it down.
serendipitysbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Shell Shaker is centred around the murders of two Choctaw chiefs nearly 25O years apart - Red Shoes in 1747 and Redford McAlester in 1991. I loved the way these two stories intersected with each other. The more contemporary storyline is a gripping one involving political corruption, financial shenanigans and organised crime but for me the story gets its depth and heart from the historical storyline which showcases traditional customs and beliefs and highlights the harm wrought by colonisation. I loved the way Choctaw language was included without translation and the way traditional spirituality and the fluidity of and intersection between past and present was portrayed matter of factly. This is not a book that panders to the non-native gaze. I also enjoyed its exploration of the role of leaders, the challenges of indigenous peoples operating in non-indigenous environments, and the way it highlighted the importance of women in the Choctaw nation. I did find aspects of this book challenging to read but my effort was well rewarded.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
maddy7171's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
keiyhta's review
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Rape
melissawalcott's review
4.0
[POSSIBLE SPOILERS] - READ AT OWN RISK
Upon finishing the novel, I am content and pleased with the structure of the novel and overall history that I have learned contrasting with Cherokee history. I really enjoyed the way LeAnne Howe structured Shell Shaker with glances of the past and how she blurred the lines between reality and the spiritual world presented in the religion of the Choctaw. The characters were also excellently written and I not once found myself bored or detached from the story. My favorite parts were when we were transported to the time of Shakbatina and the spiral of events following her sacrificial death.
Upon finishing the novel, I am content and pleased with the structure of the novel and overall history that I have learned contrasting with Cherokee history. I really enjoyed the way LeAnne Howe structured Shell Shaker with glances of the past and how she blurred the lines between reality and the spiritual world presented in the religion of the Choctaw. The characters were also excellently written and I not once found myself bored or detached from the story. My favorite parts were when we were transported to the time of Shakbatina and the spiral of events following her sacrificial death.
jazteen14's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shelleyanderson4127's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“It’s a belief the Choctaws have—that almost everything in life is meant to be shared. Especially tragedy.” This is a book that needs to be shared. If I believed in rating books by stars, it would be a five star novel—no, make it six or seven stars. The writing is sheer poetry, the kind that lifts you up and radiates grace.
This enthralling story opens in 1738, in a powerful Choctaw community on the edge of war. A mother named Shakbatina, Choctaw leader and Shell Shaker, prepares to sacrifice herself for peace, in order to save her oldest daughter’s life. The scene shifts to 1991, where Auda Billy works to expose the political corruption of Redford McAlester, the seventh Chief of the Oklahoma Choctaws. She has to work to free herself, too, from McAlester’s charismatic power, as the two are lovers. By the end of the day Redford will be dead, and Auda, and her mother, will be accused of his murder. Auda’s sisters and the wider Billy family gathered together to prove her innocence.
The Billy women are descendants of Shakbatina, who lived in a time of great change in Choctaw history. The unresolved issues of corruption and redemption in the 18th century intrudes upon the 20th century, and guides and influences the modern Billy women. The shifts between times and characters are so skillfully done. This is really one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long, long time.