Scan barcode
A review by readingcat1832
Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King
5.0
I absolutely loved this! It was such a pleasant surprise for a book read for school.
Green Grass, Running Water is a strange book, and it is a confusing book, but don't let that deter you. This book is confusing in a thrilling sort of way, but, slowly, its multiple storylines begin to come together. It's also just a highly enjoyable read. The book is sharp and witty, with a large cast of well-crafted, memorable characters. I found myself surprised how much I ended up liking Charlie's storyline, but my favourites were probably Alberta and Latisha... and Coyote, of course.
Although GGRW does a good job of dealing with Indigenous issues, such as the navigation of an Indigenous identity in the late 20th century and the long-term, damaging effect of racist portrayals of Indigenous peoples in media through history (read: John Wayne movies). But King never really strays from the novel's comedic tones: I particularly enjoyed his satirization of Westerns, Biblical narratives, and Old Classic Novels written by white men through history that involve encounters with Indigenous peoples. A lot of the time, this comes through with some really delightful wordplay. (C.B. Cologne = Cristobal Colon) And it makes the more serious moments hit even harder.
Overall, really enjoyed this, and I'd definitely want to read it again just for pleasure one day.
Memorable quote:
“In a democracy, everyone gets a turn.”
“Nonsense, in a democracy, only people who can afford it get a turn.”
Green Grass, Running Water is a strange book, and it is a confusing book, but don't let that deter you. This book is confusing in a thrilling sort of way, but, slowly, its multiple storylines begin to come together. It's also just a highly enjoyable read. The book is sharp and witty, with a large cast of well-crafted, memorable characters. I found myself surprised how much I ended up liking Charlie's storyline, but my favourites were probably Alberta and Latisha... and Coyote, of course.
Although GGRW does a good job of dealing with Indigenous issues, such as the navigation of an Indigenous identity in the late 20th century and the long-term, damaging effect of racist portrayals of Indigenous peoples in media through history (read: John Wayne movies). But King never really strays from the novel's comedic tones: I particularly enjoyed his satirization of Westerns, Biblical narratives, and Old Classic Novels written by white men through history that involve encounters with Indigenous peoples. A lot of the time, this comes through with some really delightful wordplay. (C.B. Cologne = Cristobal Colon) And it makes the more serious moments hit even harder.
Overall, really enjoyed this, and I'd definitely want to read it again just for pleasure one day.
Memorable quote:
“In a democracy, everyone gets a turn.”
“Nonsense, in a democracy, only people who can afford it get a turn.”