Tommy Orange’s debut novel There There starkly reminds the reader of the certain truth, there is no going back.  For American Indians “There” is no longer.  Some try to make the best of circumstances, many do not.

Orange’s thirteen Native American characters who have been born into or transported themselves to city life creates a poignant and melancholy reality.  Visions of their heritage, a There There, are intertwined with harsh reality. This creative story teller brings a voice from over the centuries delivering a stark message for contemporary America.

Orvil Red Feather stands in front of Opal’s bedroom mirror with his regalia on all wrong—he moved in front of the mirror and his feathers shake—-he worries suddenly that Opal might come into her room—Opal had been against any of them doing anything Indian—she treated it like it was all something they could decide for themselves when they were old enough—Indianing.

There There.