A review by smlaurie
Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty

challenging dark sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Although this is a collection of short stories, most of which were previously published in magazines and journals, I recommend reading it from start to finish.  The stories all focus on David, a Penobscot Indian in Maine, and small moments in time throughout his life, adolescence to middle-age.  The stories give us insight into his relationships with his mother, sister, grandmother, and friends as we traverse back and forth through his life. 

There is alcoholism, substance abuse, hopelessness, unemployment, dementia, broken families, violence and it’s written with a quiet simplicity and dignity.

I also want to note the cover: the view looking up among trees of the night sky is beautiful and evokes the setting and feelings for this book.

2024 Spring Beyond the Bookends Reading Challenge: Read a book that makes you cry.