Tommy Orange

Tommy Orange’s There There is an intense, thought-provoking novel that will leave readers with a lasting impression. This poignant story follows twelve Native Americans living in Oakland, California and their paths to the Big Oakland Powwow. Each of these characters has a unique struggle and perspective that makes this novel a powerful exploration of identity and belonging. Through Orange’s masterful storytelling, readers are taken on an emotional journey of self-discovery and resilience.

The characters in There There are incredibly varied and diverse, representing many different Native American experiences. From Edwin, who is struggling with addiction, to Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield, who is desperately searching for her lost niece; each character offers a unique insight into the struggles of modern-day Native American life. Orange crafts complex relationships between the characters as they navigate their way through the novel’s events. He deftly weaves together humor and tragedy in ways that make it impossible not to connect with his characters.

Orange’s writing style is poetic and evocative, making There There a gripping read. His vivid descriptions of the city of Oakland bring the setting to life as each character moves through their day-to-day lives. With brilliant prose and memorable characters, Tommy Orange has crafted a powerful story about identity, belonging, and resilience that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. In the next part of our review we will look at how Orange deals with difficult subjects such as mental illness and addiction in the novel.