February 08, 2007

Fantasy in the Native tradition

Tales from the Great TurtleFrom Publishers Weekly

This thoughtfully produced anthology presents fantasy stories on American Indian themes by both Indian and non-Indian authors, five of whom make their debuts here. ... Stories are grouped into four sections that parallel a river's course, from "Headwaters" to "Destinations"--an apt metaphor that traces the trajectory of the Native experience. With a fluidity like that of the river itself, the volume ultimately takes on a force all its own. Fantasy fans will readily warm to this entertaining work, as will the growing audience for books about the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

From Library Journal

Native American legends provide the basis for the 29 stories in this collection. Native American authors Owl Goingback, Debra White Plume, and others join anthology regulars such as Esther Friesner and Jane Yolen to present a tribute to the wealth of pre-Columbian history and lore.
Comment:  Got this book for Christmas and just finished it. I'd say it's your typical anthology with stories ranging from good to great.

Perhaps because the co-editors live there, many stories focus on the Cherokee and other Indians of the Southeast. The narratives are split between ancient and modern tales, with the modern ones generally being better. The best stories include:

  • "Where There Are Hummingbirds":  A Maya woman must deal with the loss of her husband.

  • "Going After Old Man Alabama":  A medicine man goes back in time to stop Columbus...but ends up on the wrong ship.

  • "Gator Bait":  A phony Indian alligator wrestler is confronted by the real thing.

  • "Monuments to the Dead":  A journalist investigates the disappearance of Mt. Rushmore.

  • Rob's rating:  7.5 of 10. Check it out if you're interested in Native-themed stories with a fantasy or sci-fi twist.

    3 comments:

    voyageur said...

    This is hardly new or news (and is in fact obscure), but don't forget "Knee Deep in Thunder" by Sheila Moon, which is a juvenile fantasy novel (with two seqeuls) that has a background of Navajo-based mythology. Look it up and see the glowing reviews.

    Rob said...

    A Stereotype of the Month nominee has to occur in the present month. Otherwise I'd have to go back and add thousands of stereotypes to the rolls. But if I'd been running the contest in 1994, I might've included Piers Anthony.

    I noted the same thing when I read his introduction. He was basically saying only traditional Indians are authentic Indians. Someone ought to alert him that cultures--even Indian cultures--change and evolve.

    His thinking is the same thinking that inspires Indian wannabes and mascot lovers and toymakers. Namely, that the only real Indians wore headdresses, lived in teepees, and died a century ago. Someone ought to introduce him to Graham Greene, Billy Mills, Eloise Cobell, or Buffy Sainte-Marie--or any of the millions of modern-day Indians.

    voyageur said...

    I'm a big fan of Anthony, and have read most of his books. However, I agree that this statement is inexcusable.

    One would hope that he is educatable.