“There There” is the stunning debut novel by Tommy Orange, one of the most critically acclaimed Native American writers of his generation. Published in 2018, the novel offers a vivid and profound exploration of identity and community among urban Native Americans in Oakland, California.
The novel follows twelve Native Americans connected to the same city, each facing the weight of their lives and the difficulties of being Native Americans in the city with compelling empathy and remarkable poetic skill. Through them, Orange explores a range of topics, from the legacies of grief and violence to the beauty of community and resilience.
Beginning with a haunting introduction, the novel introduces readers to a range of characters and their respective stories. Orange unravels their unique histories, which often involve a deep connection to their local Indigenous culture, as well as their experience of displacement, alienation, and loss. In doing so, he highlights the pervasiveness of Native American voices and stories.
At the heart of the story is the All Indians Meet Powwow, which draws the characters together at the Oakland Coliseum. Each character seeks something, be it an understanding of their identity or an opportunity to reclaim their culture. Orange’s deft hand explores the difficulties of being both Native and urban, as well as the potential that emerges when communities come together.
The novel’s emotional core lies in its characters and their respective voices. Their stories, as shared by Orange, are both heartbreakingly familiar and deeply personal. He is able to weave seemingly disparate lives and stories into a powerful tapestry of being, showing readers the power of connection, community, and identity.
The novel culminates in a stunning conclusion that will leave readers aching for more. With extraordinary insight, Orange has crafted a deeply moving, and at times heartbreaking, look at contemporary Native American life. The novel serves as an important reminder that Native voices matter, and are essential to a full understanding of our collective identity.
For readers looking for a stirring exploration of identity and community, “There There” is a must-read. Tommy Orange has created an unforgettable portrait of contemporary Native American life that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. It is an essential addition to any book collection.
