In Seattle, a series of killings of white men, each of whom is scalped and left with an owl feather, spreads fear through the city. The suspect is believed to be Indigenous, and the tension surrounding the case affects a police detective, a university professor, a local radio host and John Smith, a Native man adopted by a white couple who has grown up with no sense of his identity. Sherman Alexie uses the thriller form to explore racism, anger and the legacy of colonization, and the narration moves between many characters.
It suits readers who want a dark, challenging novel about identity and violence from a major Native American author. It is not an easy read, but it is a provocative one.
Thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1996
- Language
- EN
