There There

Summary

«There There» is a novel by Tommy Orange that tells the stories of twelve characters living in Oakland, California. These characters are contemporary Native Americans, each grappling with questions of identity, heritage, and belonging. Their paths converge at the Big Oakland Powwow, where their lives are forever changed. The novel explores the complex and often painful aspects of Native American life in the modern world, addressing themes of loss, violence, history, and resistance.

Main Ideas

• Identity and Cultural Heritage: An exploration of how contemporary Native Americans strive to preserve their culture and identity amidst urbanization and assimilation.
• Trauma and Healing: An examination of intergenerational trauma related to colonization, violence, and land loss, and how these traumas affect modern generations.
• Community and Solidarity: The importance of communal ties and solidarity among urban Native Americans, and how these connections help them face challenges.
• Contemporary Native American Life: A depiction of the everyday realities and complexities faced by Native Americans in modern urban settings.
• Issues of Identification: Questions related to self-identification and the perception of Native Americans both within and outside their communities.

Historical Context and Significance

Tommy Orange's novel «There There» holds significant historical and cultural importance as it sheds light on the lives of contemporary Native Americans living in urban settings. The book breaks stereotypes and myths about Native peoples, portraying them as multifaceted and diverse individuals with unique stories and challenges. Orange employs multiple voices and perspectives to show how historical trauma and colonization continue to impact their lives. The novel also raises important questions about identity, belonging, and resistance, making it a vital contribution to contemporary literature and cultural discussions.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Tony Loneman, a young man with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, who battles inner demons and seeks his place in the world.
• Dene Oxendene, a young woman trying to preserve her culture and identity by creating a documentary about contemporary Native Americans.
• Orvil Red Feather, a teenager searching for his identity and connection to his roots through traditional dancing.
• Jacquie Red Feather, Orvil's mother, who struggles with alcoholism and attempts to rebuild her relationship with her children.
• Edwin, Jacquie's sister, who also faces personal challenges and tries to support her family.
• Calvin Johnson, a young man drawn into a robbery and confronted with moral dilemmas.
• Octavio, the grandmother of Orvil and Jacquie, who plays a crucial role in preserving family traditions and culture.

Style and Technique

Tommy Orange's novel «There There» is characterized by its layered structure and polyphonic narrative. The author uses multiple voices, each belonging to different characters representing various generations and life paths of Native Americans. The language of the work is rich with metaphors and symbols, reflecting the cultural heritage and internal conflicts of the characters. Orange masterfully blends elements of realism and magical realism, creating deep and emotionally resonant images. Literary techniques include alternating timelines and perspectives, allowing the reader to see events from different angles. The novel's fragmented structure underscores the disjointedness and complexity of modern Native American identity. The author also incorporates interwoven stories and documentary elements to provide historical depth and context to the narrative.

Interesting Facts

• The book tells the story of contemporary Native Americans living in Oakland, California.
• The novel intertwines the stories of twelve different characters, each with a unique connection to Native culture and history.
• The title references Gertrude Stein's famous phrase «there is no there there,» describing her disappointment upon returning to her hometown of Oakland.
• The book addresses important themes such as identity, cultural heritage, violence, and the struggle for survival in modern society.
• The novel has received numerous awards and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2019.

Book Review

Tommy Orange's «There There» is a powerful and multilayered novel that explores contemporary Native American life through the lens of several characters whose fates intertwine against the backdrop of a large urban gathering in Oakland. Critics praise Orange's skill in crafting deeply developed characters and his ability to convey complex emotions and experiences. The book raises important themes of identity, loss, and cultural heritage, prompting readers to reflect on the place of Native peoples in modern society. Orange's writing style is described as vivid and poetic, making the reading experience both captivating and emotionally rich. The novel has been highly acclaimed for its honesty and relevance, as well as its contribution to literature focused on Native American peoples.