Book Review: There There by Tommy Orange
Reviewed by Everly Garza
There There by Tommy Orange is a profound and gripping novel that intricately weaves the stories of twelve Native American characters living in Oakland, California. Through their diverse perspectives, Orange explores themes of identity, displacement, and the enduring impacts of colonization. This debut novel, published in 2018, has received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and stylistic innovation, establishing Orange as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Plot Overview
The narrative revolves around the characters as they prepare to attend a powwow in Oakland, an event that serves as a focal point for their interconnected stories. Each character grapples with their own struggles related to heritage, addiction, trauma, and the search for belonging in a rapidly changing urban landscape. The novel opens with a powerful prologue that sets the stage for the significance of the powwow while delving into the historical context of Native American life. Readers are introduced to characters such as Dene Oxendene, a filmmaker seeking to document Native experiences; Orvil Red Feather, a teenager exploring his identity; and the elderly, fragile elder, Jacquelinie Red Feather, whose story reflects the generational trauma faced by Indigenous peoples.
Characterization and Themes
Orange excels in his vivid characterization, providing depth to each individual’s life and struggles. The characters are not mere archetypes but fully fleshed-out personas that embody the complexities of the contemporary Native American experience. Through thorough backstories, Orange highlights how systemic issues such as poverty, addiction, and identity conflict affect his characters deeply.
One of the central themes of There There is the quest for identity amid the legacy of colonialism. The characters struggle with what it means to be Native in a modern context, often feeling unmoored from their roots. For example, Orvil’s journey of learning traditional songs and dances while confronting his mixed heritage encapsulates this search for belonging and connection to culture. Additionally, Orange touches upon themes of community and the importance of shared narratives, illustrating how storytelling can provide solace and a sense of place.
Style and Structure
Orange’s writing style is marked by its lyrical beauty and emotional gravity. The prose is often poetic, punctuated with moments of stark realism that bring to life the struggles of urban Native Americans. The structure of the novel, which alternates between the various characters’ perspectives, allows for a multifaceted view of the issues at hand. This narrative technique creates a tapestry that reflects the interconnectedness of their lives, culminating in a powerful and poignant climax at the powwow.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, There There received widespread acclaim, including recognition as a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Reviewers praised Orange for his ability to encapsulate the contemporary Native American experience while addressing broader themes of identity, community, and resilience. Critics from publications like The New York Times and The Atlantic lauded the novel for breaking stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on Indigenous lives, contributing to a much-needed dialogue about American history and present-day realities.
Conclusion
There There is a landmark novel that resonates with readers on many levels. Tommy Orange’s debut offers an unflinching look at the complexities of modern Indigenous identity while emphasizing the collective experience of Native Americans. With its rich character development and poignant storytelling, this novel invites readers to reflect on culture, loss, and the quest for connection in a fractious world. As an essential contribution to contemporary literature, There There deserves a place on the shelves of those seeking to understand the multifaceted narratives of America today.
References
- Orange, Tommy. There There. Knopf, 2018.
- “The Heart of America: Exploring Tommy Orange's There There” – The New York Times.
- “Seeing the Unseen: A Review of There There” – The Atlantic.
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