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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Listen to the audio book they do a really great job narrating!
I read this book for a library book discussion. Although it is not a book I would typically read, it was well written and interesting. It reminded me a little of Red at the Bone because in this story too, is about a family is preparing for a family ceremony, in this case, a bonfire to remember son/brother Ray Ray on the anniversary of his untimely death (he was mistakenly shot by a police officer when he was a teenager) and you piece together the full story though stories of the experiences of the various family members.
The author, as well as his characters, are Native American. This adds another layer to the story. Many of the situations encountered by the characters are, unfortunately, universal - Alzheimer's, foster care, substance abuse, abusive relationships, and Police violence - however, we also get to see how cultural differences, as well as prejudice and discrimination, affect the family, making this story stand out from being a typical family saga.
I reread this book again because it was selected for my neighborhood book club and I didn't remember much about it from 4 years ago. I think that is because it doesn't have a strong plot with drama and family interactions. This book is more of a work of art, not a page-turner family saga. 15 years ago Ray Ray was killed by a police officer and his family fragmented, each dealing with he trauma in their own private dysfunctional way. As a bonfire to remember Ray Ray approaches, each family member is reflecting on Ray Ray and their private traumas. There is very little interaction between the family members, perhaps symbolizing the isolation that grief brought to them.
One's enjoyment of this book greatly depends on what you are looking for in the reading experience. If you want a plot-driven book with lots of interaction between the characters, this would not be for you. If you are looking for an introspective book to learn about the tragic results of generational trauma and grief that is beautifully written with lots of imagery, then definitely pick igt up.
The author, as well as his characters, are Native American. This adds another layer to the story. Many of the situations encountered by the characters are, unfortunately, universal - Alzheimer's, foster care, substance abuse, abusive relationships, and Police violence - however, we also get to see how cultural differences, as well as prejudice and discrimination, affect the family, making this story stand out from being a typical family saga.
I reread this book again because it was selected for my neighborhood book club and I didn't remember much about it from 4 years ago. I think that is because it doesn't have a strong plot with drama and family interactions. This book is more of a work of art, not a page-turner family saga. 15 years ago Ray Ray was killed by a police officer and his family fragmented, each dealing with he trauma in their own private dysfunctional way. As a bonfire to remember Ray Ray approaches, each family member is reflecting on Ray Ray and their private traumas. There is very little interaction between the family members, perhaps symbolizing the isolation that grief brought to them.
One's enjoyment of this book greatly depends on what you are looking for in the reading experience. If you want a plot-driven book with lots of interaction between the characters, this would not be for you. If you are looking for an introspective book to learn about the tragic results of generational trauma and grief that is beautifully written with lots of imagery, then definitely pick igt up.
A beautiful example of how trauma ripples through a family, not leaving anyone untouched. Beautiful narrative voices and Cherokee stories. Emotional, but worth reading.
I can certainly see why so many readers rated this book so low - it’s definitely not for everyone. However I found that once I started this book, I couldn’t stop reading it. While I read it, the book invoked a physical feeling inside of me, which many many books don’t do. I found this book to be interesting, complex, and fascinating. The way it was written and the ending may put some readers off, but for me, this book is a home run.
I have been enjoying reading modern Indigenous stories and this heavy book was a great one. Cherokee myths and storytelling combined with present day pain and magic; it’s a read with exquisite detail about life and living.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use
Minor: Murder
There is so much to digest here. In each chapter Hobson has taken on a distinct voice to tell his story; four in total: Maria Echota, her daughter Sonja Echota (in her 30s), her son Edgar Echota -reeling from a recent breakup and struggling with a current drug addiction , and Tsala-a Cherokee ancestor whose lyric tales of the past tie the Echotas to their history and the horrific Trail of Tears.
The novel takes place in the days leading up to the Echota family's annual bonfire. The commemorative bonfire marks the anniversary of the unjust murder of Ray-Ray, the middle son, and celebrates his life. Maria Echota, the matriarch, has been carrying many burdens since Ray-Ray's death and her husband, Ernest Echota's, descent into Alzheimers.
The central plot concern of the novel is whether Edgar, who isn't taking anyone's calls after his break-up with Rae, will come back for the Bonfire. The last time the family has seen him is for a drug intervention and they worry that he'll avoid their commemorative night in the woods. Meanwhile, Maria offers temporary home to a young boy in foster care, Wyatt, and Sonja begins (what seems like) the lustful pursuit of 20-something Vin, father to Luka.
Next to Tsala, Edgar's narrative arc is the most dependent on indigenous story telling and symbolism. I was particularly interested in the motif of the Red Fowl. Is the relationship between the "Red Fowl" and addiction similar to the relationship between the "Black Dog" and depression? The Red Fowl isn't the only meaningful symbol in Edgar-world. Early in the novel he crashes with a school-days acquaintance, Jackson, who lives in a nightmarish place of physical and metaphorical decay called The Darkening Land. Reading these portions of the novel, I was compelled to research Andrew Jackson, the Trail of Tears, and traditional Native American symbolism.
While Tsala and Edgar's chapters are the most symbolic, repeated lines crop up in the context of all four voices. I often flipped back and forth between pages as I tried to find: where did I read that line before!?
I recommend this folkloric contemporary to anyone. How can you go wrong with this level of beauty in language and imagery, not to mention the masterful writing.
The novel takes place in the days leading up to the Echota family's annual bonfire. The commemorative bonfire marks the anniversary of the unjust murder of Ray-Ray, the middle son, and celebrates his life. Maria Echota, the matriarch, has been carrying many burdens since Ray-Ray's death and her husband, Ernest Echota's, descent into Alzheimers.
The central plot concern of the novel is whether Edgar, who isn't taking anyone's calls after his break-up with Rae, will come back for the Bonfire. The last time the family has seen him is for a drug intervention and they worry that he'll avoid their commemorative night in the woods. Meanwhile, Maria offers temporary home to a young boy in foster care, Wyatt, and Sonja begins (what seems like) the lustful pursuit of 20-something Vin, father to Luka.
Next to Tsala, Edgar's narrative arc is the most dependent on indigenous story telling and symbolism. I was particularly interested in the motif of the Red Fowl. Is the relationship between the "Red Fowl" and addiction similar to the relationship between the "Black Dog" and depression? The Red Fowl isn't the only meaningful symbol in Edgar-world. Early in the novel he crashes with a school-days acquaintance, Jackson, who lives in a nightmarish place of physical and metaphorical decay called The Darkening Land. Reading these portions of the novel, I was compelled to research Andrew Jackson, the Trail of Tears, and traditional Native American symbolism.
While Tsala and Edgar's chapters are the most symbolic, repeated lines crop up in the context of all four voices. I often flipped back and forth between pages as I tried to find: where did I read that line before!?
I recommend this folkloric contemporary to anyone. How can you go wrong with this level of beauty in language and imagery, not to mention the masterful writing.
