From Library Journal
There is no surer proof of the flourishing of Native American writing than the appearance of this anthology, showcasing the work of four indisputably gifted writers. Hunter writes poems about ancestors and totem animals; with his "unbridled" mind, he perceives "the singing voice/of water/melting ice." Denise Sweet, easily the most literary of the four, writes poignantly about damaged lives but also creates beautiful poetry out of unpromising topics like shoes, tomatoes, and parking. Jim Northrup's short stories about life on the "rez" (reservation) are moving and memorable, especially "Veterans Dance," about posttraumatic shock disorder among survivors of the Vietnam War. Adrian C. Louis raises the angriest and most powerful voice, chastising both "effete white poets" and Native Americans "ashamed of Indian blood." In Sweet's words, all these writers brilliantly chart the "stellar maps of/story and myth." Highly recommended.
Daniel L. Guillory, Millikin Univ., Decatur, Ill.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Daniel L. Guillory, Millikin Univ., Decatur, Ill.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
We could speak of this book as being evidence of a renaissance in Native American literature, except that there has never previously been a written literature of this sort, which bridges the indigenous oral tradition and the Euramerican written one. Perhaps, then, we should speak of a coming-of-age, for many Native American writers are now crafting their most mature and impressive work. Four such writers contribute to this volume poetry and prose that, although diverse, is sufficiently similar in subject matter to make up a satisfying joint collection. To reinvest them with their diversity, however--the contributions are Al Hunter's terse verse lines, crafted into prayers and chants; Denise Sweet's passionate, womanist lyrics; Jim Northrup's wry and knowing fictions; and Adrian Louis' brassy, loving, unforgiving, demanding, resonant sermons, diatribes, and confessions. This does what a good anthology should: whet the appetite for more. Pat Monaghan
