The Lightning Within: An Anthology of Contemporary American Indian Fiction [Hardcover]

Alan Velie (Editor, Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1991

American Indian stories have fascinated the world for all the right reasons: vigor, depth, subtlety, brightness. In the 1960s a brilliant renaissance began. Out of it came such gifted writers of fiction as N. Scott Momaday, James Welch, Leslie Marmon Silko, Gerald Vizenor, Simon Ortiz, Louise Erdrich, and Michael Dorris. In bringing them together, The Lightning Within celebrates some of the best work being done today in the novel and short story.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Faith might be stupid, but it gets us through," says Lipsha Morrissey in Louise Erdrich's "Love Medicine," one of the nine outstanding stories by Native Americans in this anthology. Morrissey concocts a magic potion to save the afflicted marriage of his grandparents. Although the potion fails, he stil believes in the strength of the union. N. Scott Momaday's "Tosomah's Story" features a self-styled shaman/pastor who invites his congregation to a different kind of faith, advising them to hold fast to their culture and get their share of life's bounty. Rewards and punishment are accepted by the characters in these stories as fingers on the same hand. The young man in "The Marriage of White Man's Dog," by James Welch, studies to become a healer. His love for his wife and his people enables him to pass an agonizing test to achieve his goal. Griever de Hocus, alter ego of his creator Gerald Vizenor in "Luminous Thighs," examines the relationship of religion and popular culture to Native American myths. Other contributors include Michael Dorris, Leslie Silko and Simon Ortiz.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-- The work of seven writers (N. Scott Momaday, James Welch, Leslie Marmon Silko, Gerald Vizenor, Simon Ortiz, Louise Erdrich, and Michael Dorris) makes up this impressive collection. The selections, mainly from novels, are alike only in the rich use of language, power of imagery, and depth of feeling. Preceding each story is a short explanation of it, a biographical sketch of the author, and brief critical notes on major works. If a myth or legend is important, it is explained. This introduction greatly aids readers' appreciation and understanding, although the story by Vizenorremains obscure. Recurring themesinclude the importance of religiousritual and belief, pride in heritage,memory of the old ways (and the mingling of these with the ways of the white man), the pain of change, and the loss of dignity. The manner in which American Indians and whites regard one another is woven into the stories with humor and pain. Mature YAs will learn much about Native American heritage and culture from this fine book by masters of their craft. --Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 164 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press; First Edition edition (April 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803246595
• ISBN-13: 978-0803246591
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,025,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)