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A review by emmalong
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
5.0
Tommy Orange's sophomore novel was my most anticipated release of the year, and it completely pulled through for me. i essentially highlighted the entire book. Wandering Stars is not exactly a sequel, but it follows familiar characters from Orange's debut "There There." (it is also both a prequel and a sequel which is really fascinating). this book delves more into the generational trauma children inherit and if it's possible to ever escape such a never-ending and vicious cycle.
Orange critiques American history in such a poignant way. although i know the basics of stolen land, his books never fail to teach me new things at the turn of every page. and it's enraging. Chronicling the Sand Creek Massacre, to Carlisle Indian Industrial school, to our characters struggling with addiction in Oakland, the reader follows many open threads to find what is sadly on the other end. what has been done to cultures and tribes at the hands of white people while never be forgivable. but this novel illustrates exactly why it is so important for language and spaces to exist for others. a few of our characters struggle with the juxtaposition of being indigenous and growing up enmeshed in white culture to the point that they feel they are being insincere in their ancestry. opening up the spaces and celebrating differences is a simple and necessary first step for others to come into the spotlight.
additionally, his characters are so. real. they speak with rage and emotion, confusion and anger, poignancy and articulation. it is such a well-done depiction of grief and trauma and attempting to reconcile who you feel that you are with all that has come before you. how so much pressure is on the weight of so few shoulders. absolutely stunning.
tackling addiction, indigenous land, race, identity, coming-of-age, and so many other important topics, Wandering Stars was an instant favorite for me.
Orange critiques American history in such a poignant way. although i know the basics of stolen land, his books never fail to teach me new things at the turn of every page. and it's enraging. Chronicling the Sand Creek Massacre, to Carlisle Indian Industrial school, to our characters struggling with addiction in Oakland, the reader follows many open threads to find what is sadly on the other end. what has been done to cultures and tribes at the hands of white people while never be forgivable. but this novel illustrates exactly why it is so important for language and spaces to exist for others. a few of our characters struggle with the juxtaposition of being indigenous and growing up enmeshed in white culture to the point that they feel they are being insincere in their ancestry. opening up the spaces and celebrating differences is a simple and necessary first step for others to come into the spotlight.
additionally, his characters are so. real. they speak with rage and emotion, confusion and anger, poignancy and articulation. it is such a well-done depiction of grief and trauma and attempting to reconcile who you feel that you are with all that has come before you. how so much pressure is on the weight of so few shoulders. absolutely stunning.
tackling addiction, indigenous land, race, identity, coming-of-age, and so many other important topics, Wandering Stars was an instant favorite for me.