First published January 1, 1977
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Literary awards: American Book Award 1980, NMBA Richard Harris Award 2022
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Tayo, a young Native American, has been a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, and the horrors of captivity have almost eroded his will to survive. His return to the Laguna Pueblo reservation only increases his feeling of estrangement and alienation. While other returning soldiers find easy refuge in alcohol and senseless violence, Tayo searches for another kind of comfort and resolution. Tayo's quest leads him back to the Indian past and its traditions, to beliefs about witchcraft and evil, and to the ancient stories of his people. The search itself becomes a ritual, a curative ceremony that defeats the most virulent of afflictions—despair. (Source: goodreads)
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My first reading of this book a few years ago did not give it much of a chance. Apparently, I wasn't much into deeper thinking at the time. I struggled in particular with the writing that seemed confusing and to jump from here to there and kept me wondering what was happening and who was talking. During my second read, I got it. Especially as I noticed this jumping around diminished as the story went on. It was an excellent portrayal of Tayo's mind due to trauma, and how he navigated his world governed by white men. Catching on to this subtle style made the ending even more meaningful. I thought about rating this a 3 due to it's difficulty, yet the character development of Tayo was excellent. I am certain I am not giving it the credit it deserves.
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