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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Virgil Wounded Horse is known around the Rosebud Indian Reservation as someone that can unofficially fix problems. He doesn’t necessarily like doling out punishment, but he finds he has a skill that is in need. When the nephew he is raising overdoses on Heroin Virgil decides to find out how the drugs are coming into the Reservation and putting a stop to it. This is good storytelling and you too may be surprised to learn how the drugs are being brought in to the Reservation.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
I loved this book so much. This is by far my favorite book I’ve read in a few months, but also possibly my favorite book of the year! I am a tough sell on a male MC but I actually loved Virgil and is commentary. Virgil is the guy in every drama show who just punches people, except he’s actually interesting! I highly highly recommend to thriller and/or action lovers!
emotional
Enlightening on many levels, this very engrossing read has amazing characters, a story that pulls you in and through, and provides a unique look at native justice. Loved this experience and looking for more from this tremendous author.
dark
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
Gave it an extra half star more than I initially wanted to, because of how interesting I found the aspect of Lakota culture and spirituality. And the relationship between Virgil and Nathan was a big factor as well. Otherwise, I was unfortunately mostly pretty bored. I don’t think this genre or style of writing is fully for me. I just kept waiting for more to happen and pull me in.
This book felt like it had too much going on. The dialog was was awkward at times and forced. I struggled with the explanation of slang or repetition of facts.
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
I was excited to read a contemporary fiction book about Native American culture and reservation life, but I was ultimately very disappointed by the book's writing, characters, and plot (so, basically everything).
First, Virgil is a tough guy who isn't interested in Indian identity, but his voice doesn't remain consistent throughout the book. The author combined Virgil and narrator into one confusing voice; in one moment Virgil is refusing Indian ceremonies, and the next he's complaining that the media doesn't celebrate the fact that Lakota language is being revived on reservations. He should've spent the book juggling and navigating his identities, but instead we're left with a narrative that feels two-faced throughout. It's not genuine. Also, I don't get his arc. He was violent at the beginning and even more violent at the end, but we're supposed to believe that he has changed by the end?
Second, Marie isn't a real person, she's "The Main Character's Girlfriend". She's interested in him for absolutely no reason discernible to the reader, and after sleeping with him she mysteriously moves in and starts cooking and cleaning. Her actions in the end don't make a lot of sense; they only make sense if you're only interested in Virgil's perspective.
Third, I can't imagine how anyone could this book a "thriller". I speed-read parts of it just to get through.
I believe there were good intentions here. We need more books about real life on reservations and about Native American culture and identity. However, this book just doesn't do that justice. The character development is poor and sexist, the plot is bad, and the writing is bad.
First, Virgil is a tough guy who isn't interested in Indian identity, but his voice doesn't remain consistent throughout the book. The author combined Virgil and narrator into one confusing voice; in one moment Virgil is refusing Indian ceremonies, and the next he's complaining that the media doesn't celebrate the fact that Lakota language is being revived on reservations. He should've spent the book juggling and navigating his identities, but instead we're left with a narrative that feels two-faced throughout. It's not genuine. Also, I don't get his arc. He was violent at the beginning and even more violent at the end, but we're supposed to believe that he has changed by the end?
Second, Marie isn't a real person, she's "The Main Character's Girlfriend". She's interested in him for absolutely no reason discernible to the reader, and after sleeping with him she mysteriously moves in and starts cooking and cleaning. Her actions in the end don't make a lot of sense; they only make sense if you're only interested in Virgil's perspective.
Spoiler
Who shoots their own father dead, with hardly any evidence that he's done something wrong? And then why did she stay on the res to be a good rez wifey, after her whole family was destroyed? I can't imagine the pain this would cause her. The author didn't bother to imagine either.Third, I can't imagine how anyone could this book a "thriller". I speed-read parts of it just to get through.
I believe there were good intentions here. We need more books about real life on reservations and about Native American culture and identity. However, this book just doesn't do that justice. The character development is poor and sexist, the plot is bad, and the writing is bad.