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A review by mezzano
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Rarely do I pick up a horror book craving the story, and the exception is certainly The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. This book had been on my TBR for some time as an attempt to read more Own Voices Indigenous literature. Jones definitely delivers here, as his Blackfeet heritage takes a center stage in framing and enhancing the novel.
The Only Good Indians centers around a group of friends who make a mistake and pay a terrible price. At times the reader is left wondering who, if anyone in the friend group, will make it to the end of the book alive. This horror novel isn't a "you have difficulties sleeping" type of horror, but rather a story that follows you and sinks to the back of your brain when your mind starts to wonder. Be warned however: this story requires a great deal of attention in order to get the most out of its story. Jones is at times an experimental writer, using untraditional writing and perspectives (like second person) within his work. I often found myself pouring over some sections and becoming bored with others. One thing is for certain however, when this novel shines, it does so brightly.
The Only Good Indians centers around a group of friends who make a mistake and pay a terrible price. At times the reader is left wondering who, if anyone in the friend group, will make it to the end of the book alive. This horror novel isn't a "you have difficulties sleeping" type of horror, but rather a story that follows you and sinks to the back of your brain when your mind starts to wonder. Be warned however: this story requires a great deal of attention in order to get the most out of its story. Jones is at times an experimental writer, using untraditional writing and perspectives (like second person) within his work. I often found myself pouring over some sections and becoming bored with others. One thing is for certain however, when this novel shines, it does so brightly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Murder, and Violence