Blasphemy, By Sherman Alexie. Grove Press, £14.99
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sherman Alexie has beaten the odds. First, he wasn't expected to live, having been born with hydrocephalus, which is fatal if not treated. Secondly, not many Native Americans rise above the narrow confines set by white society – and, as Alexie illustrates, some of their own community – to reach literary success. Alexie has done so, with many national awards.
This collection, comprising 15 previously published stories and 15 new ones, explores the lives of (Native American) Indians in contemporary North America. Certain themes recur, such as national identity, and loyalty to family, friends and customs. The pathos comes from the darker side of two cultures clashing: conflicts between the old and the new, or the self-destructive urge that drives some to fulfil the doomy prophecies (alcoholism, drug abuse) and limited paths (mysticism and spirituality; menial jobs) mapped out for them by whites.
Alexie has a wonderful ear for snappy vernacular, pithy dialogue and mordant humour. In "Cry, Cry, Cry", a man tries to retain loyalty towards his cousin, who has fallen into drugs and crime. Alexie injects wit into even his darkest stories: here, Indian males try to emulate gun-toting black gangs. Instead of drive-by shootings, they engage in "drive-by cursings".
Alexie's humanity is evident. His protagonists often love and respect their parents even if they have disappointed them. Loss of parents is explored in "Whatever Happened to Frank Snake Church", in which a talented basketball player gives up the sport to honour his mother's death. Alexie's evocation of grief is heart-rippingly raw. He is equally good on the bond between friends.
Alexie's exploration of racism is handled with deftest of touches. In "Protest", a pale Indian reasserts his roots by becoming radicalised, but his protests are impotent. When he is chased by the police, he screams that they're racist. The policemen, believing they're chasing a white man, are bewildered. Sometimes, the most important subjects require the lightest approach. Alexie is a master of this technique.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments