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A review by seawarrior
There There by Tommy Orange
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There There is unlike any book I've read before. Within it, Orange weaves together the lives of twelve Native characters from Oakland, setting up a searing finale we are left to dread from the first chapter. The novel is preluded by a nonfiction essay telling the true history and horror of colonization in the past, and followed by an interlude describing the modern weight of colonization, and the significance of powwows as a place of togetherness for Native people of all tribes. I've never seen a book set up this way before and think it was a wise choice, as the essays provided information I had not previously known, but was essential to understanding the world There There aimed to reflect.
Orange's skill and detail creating each of his characters is impressive to say the least. He writes from multiple perspectives and points in time, giving each person their own distinct voice and tone when telling their stories. The problems these characters are living through are interconnected but diverse, even among family members. Yet Orange never fails to get within the minds of these very different people, pressing the reader to understand them all, even those who we know will threaten the safety of the Powwow. He pulls no punches when describing tragedy, illness and grief, but still provides his characters with opportunity for hope and peace whenever possible. This is one of the most effectively written books I've ever read and I highly recommend it, but please note the content warnings below. Alcoholism especially was described with heavy detail, so if that's something you're susceptible to you may want to read with caution.
Orange's skill and detail creating each of his characters is impressive to say the least. He writes from multiple perspectives and points in time, giving each person their own distinct voice and tone when telling their stories. The problems these characters are living through are interconnected but diverse, even among family members. Yet Orange never fails to get within the minds of these very different people, pressing the reader to understand them all, even those who we know will threaten the safety of the Powwow. He pulls no punches when describing tragedy, illness and grief, but still provides his characters with opportunity for hope and peace whenever possible. This is one of the most effectively written books I've ever read and I highly recommend it, but please note the content warnings below. Alcoholism especially was described with heavy detail, so if that's something you're susceptible to you may want to read with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Fatphobia, Genocide, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Murder, Colonisation, Pregnancy, Suicide, Racism, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, and Misogyny