A review by kappafrog
Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah

dark emotional funny hopeful informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Incredible weaving together of stories to make a family quilt, centred around a Kiowa, Cherokee and Mexican-American man called Ever. The way we viewed Ever's life unfold from so many different angles before finally hearing from him directly was so perfect. And then, when we do get to him, he's focused not on himself but on trying to do right by all those people. Intergenerational trauma is shown not told very effectively. And yet the Kiowa and Cherokee and Mexican ways of centring family and taking care of each other the best they can shines through so beautifully. The blanket dance ended up being the perfect metaphor and perfect title.

This book is a lot heavier than what I usually read. The enjoyment for me was limited somewhat by how dark it got at times. I really admire this book though and want to read more by Hokeah. My favourite story in the book was probably Vincent's, and I loved Ever's and Opbee's too. Turtle's was the most opaque for me. Overall, Hokeah absolutely excelled at telling this multi generational story.
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