A review by bsmorris
People of the Whale by Linda Hogan

5.0

The novel is beautifully written and, although it's about a fictional Native American tribe, gives insight into the belief systems and experiences of indigenous peoples in the US, in particular, how indigenous peoples' beliefs are challenged and changed by Euro-American culture and the experience of fighting in the Vietnam War. I really enjoyed following the characters as the storyline moved around in time and space and to different perspectives. The novel has also left me a lot to think about, and I think it will hold up to re-reading. I shelved it in "books I teach" because I intend to teach it, and I think my students would really enjoy the story, characters, and themes. I would like to read more by Linda Hogan and I think her works should be taught more widely.