Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

*** Review ***

In Tommy Orange’s highly anticipated follow-up to his Pulitzer Prize-finalist debut, There There, the tapestry of Native American history unfolds in a poignant and powerful narrative titled Wandering Stars. This multi-generational saga weaves through the aftermath of the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, the establishment of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, and the contemporary struggles faced by the Bear Shield-Red Feather family in Oakland.

The novel kicks off with a gut-wrenching account of the Sand Creek Massacre, where Star, a young Cheyenne survivor, is thrust into the Fort Marion Prison Castle, setting the stage for a series of events that echo through time. Pratt, an evangelical prison guard with a zeal for eradicating Native identity, plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Star’s family. The narrative then spans generations, tracing the impact of institutional violence on Star’s son Charles at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

Fast forward to 2018, and we find Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield grappling with the aftermath of her nephew Orvil’s shooting. The narrative explores the complexities of contemporary Native American life in Oakland, touching on issues of prescription drug reliance, PTSD, and the desperate search for healing within a fractured family. Orange skillfully extends the constellation of narratives, creating a symphony of voices that resonates with both sorrow and hope.

From a personal perspective, Wandering Stars is a literary journey that transcends time and space. Although I hadn’t read Orange’s first novel, the sheer beauty of his prose immediately captivated me. His writing possesses a lyrical quality that elevates the narrative, making it both poetic and deeply evocative. The historical segments, particularly those surrounding the Sand Creek Massacre, are engrossing and impactful, offering a window into a dark chapter of American history.

However, the abundance of characters, while reflective of the complexity of Native American experiences, occasionally made it challenging to connect deeply with each individual. Perhaps a more focused exploration of a few characters would have allowed for a more intimate understanding of their struggles. Despite this, the novel remains a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that binds the Bear Shield-Red Feather family together.

One notable aspect of Wandering Stars is its unflinching exploration of unsettling and problematic topics. Orange fearlessly delves into the legacy of colonialism, the ongoing impact on Indigenous communities, and the complexities of reclaiming cultural identity after centuries of suppression. This makes the novel not merely a work of fiction but a crucial piece of literature that demands attention and reflection.

The book serves as a stark reminder of the historical atrocities committed against Native Americans and their enduring consequences. Its relevance extends beyond the past, as it sheds light on contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities. Orange’s narrative urges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and empathize with the enduring hardships and suffering of Native American families.

Wandering Stars is not a book for casual entertainment; it is a compelling call to understand history, acknowledge its impact on the present, and empathize with those who have endured intergenerational trauma. Orange’s writing, marked by its heart and soul, vividly portrays the Indigenous American experience across different times, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s consciousness.

In conclusion, this book is a masterful continuation of Orange’s exploration of identity, belonging, legacy, and family. Its brilliance lies not only in its captivating storytelling but also in its commitment to preserving the truth and confronting the harsh realities of history. While it may not be a book for everyone, its importance in preserving and sharing the Native American experience cannot be overstated. In a time when historical narratives are questioned and rewritten, Wandering Stars stands as a poignant reminder of the imperative to acknowledge and learn from the past.