Scan barcode
A review by eclecticreadswithash
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Fancy a short story collection that's a little bit different? Look no further!
Never Whistle at Night includes stories from indigenous authors from all over the U.S. and Canada. These stories are definitely more "dark fiction" than horror, where they often cover topics related to everyday tragedies and generational trauma that indigenous people face in modern times, such as residential schools, foster family abuse, and racism. Only a couple of stories are more mythological. It was addressed right at the beginning in the forward that Native Americans experience real horror in the everyday, and that can be scarier than anything made up.
I really appreciated the variety of stories shared and the showcase of authors from so many different tribes. Despite this, there are many similar themes. Indigenous peoples have suffered. And they continue to do so, no matter where they are. And that's not okay! This is a really interesting way to bring attention to indigenous issues and culture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I rarely read short story collections. If you don't mind a bit of spooky or uneasy/uncomfortable topics, I would really recommend this!
Never Whistle at Night includes stories from indigenous authors from all over the U.S. and Canada. These stories are definitely more "dark fiction" than horror, where they often cover topics related to everyday tragedies and generational trauma that indigenous people face in modern times, such as residential schools, foster family abuse, and racism. Only a couple of stories are more mythological. It was addressed right at the beginning in the forward that Native Americans experience real horror in the everyday, and that can be scarier than anything made up.
I really appreciated the variety of stories shared and the showcase of authors from so many different tribes. Despite this, there are many similar themes. Indigenous peoples have suffered. And they continue to do so, no matter where they are. And that's not okay! This is a really interesting way to bring attention to indigenous issues and culture.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I rarely read short story collections. If you don't mind a bit of spooky or uneasy/uncomfortable topics, I would really recommend this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Body horror
Moderate: Sexual assault, Child abuse, Rape, Racism, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, and Alcoholism
Minor: Abortion