The Last Pow-Wow

BOOK (Novel) REVIEW: That Native Thomas and Steven Paul Judd, The Last Pow-Wow, Anadarko-Oklahoma, Hostyle Publishing Inc., 2016, I Ed. Pp. 388When we explore a socio cultural environ its art and literature become prime voices to get insights. Therefore, my tryst with the native American societies through literature began with The Last Pow-Wow a compelling novel with twelve chapters added with a prologue and an epilogue written by That Native American and Steven Paul Judd.When we attempt to enter domain of literature to understand dynamics of historical complexity of any society, then theoretical assumption become partly obsolete and often pessimistic. Our readings of historical and contemporary theoretic about any given society may get boxed if we don’t try to see the out of the box approach of art and literature.Scholars from Native American societies have written extensively on the contemporary and historical trauma. Braveheart asserted in her studies that exploitative history inflicted upon Native American communities have relinquished them from living the ‘American dream’. The cumulative historical and contemporary struggles of Native American societies were those which began almost five hundred years ago as part of global colonization, relocation and forced assimilation. Colonization brought the atrocious genocide and life shocks. Relocation brought disconnectedness from spiritual and cultural dimensions based on land and space. Relocation also burdened the society with the socio-cultural disconnectedness from place of the origin and bringing psychological shocks with refugee symptoms. Assimilation further accentuated the loss of culture, extermination of spiritual and community bonds and false value systems of economic competitions. When we explore the depth of the arguments posited by scholars like Chaudhary, Deloria, Braveheart then it becomes evident in almost all the possible historical, non-fictional and fictional narratives and cultural expressions by the Native Americans.The present novel is also no exception, where the arguments of scholars vividly emerge almost in every chapter. However, what emerges positively from the novel is resilience. The cultural rootedness which apparently seems lost is profoundly ingrained in the Native American societies. Irrespective of several hardships sustained, the value systems and cultural traditions are retained itself and now they are re-emerging in societies as a resilient force. Hence, while reading each chapter of novel one does come across agony of various kinds which were endured by the Native American societies. Yet what brings an air of positivism is the expanding world view which redefines and enriches the existing cultural traditions.The Last Pow-Wow is more like an anthology where almost all the tribal communities of Native American societies are introduced. The two authors have worked in perfect tandem to bring together strings of cultural transitions and historical multi-linearity woven in fine balance, so the climax and resurrection of true Native American spirit is enlivened again through the ‘The Pow-Wow of All Pow-Wows’. Legends, history and contemporary characters of the story try to cut across the time and space. More importantly like all the traditional cultures where the theory of karmic connections is emphasized. The well encompassed incidents are structured through connectivity of past and contemporary world view. As we delve in the novel each storyline begins with the legends and traditions and gradually introduces every character through each new chapter. Although there are several lead characters in the story line, yet the story somehow, develops around John Wayne, who to a large extend represents the twenty first century Native American male identity. His identity emerges as symbolic to the young, fierce and assertive men of native America in contemporary times. The protagonist has a wide world view as he is well travelled and brilliantly exposed to the American ways of ruling the world and denies the methods of United States in both political and cultural terms.Recurrently in the storyline the true blood native Americans concept is questioned and asserted that Native American is a spiritual term and not something which should be confined to biological bloodlines, several characters of the novel supposedly endorse it from Chief to Little Red man and protagonist himself, who is said to be able to blend in easily with the different ethnic-racial crowds.While introducing and narrating each character and incidents of the storyline and sub-plots historical and legendry connections are sought to engage reader with the historical trauma endured and to enrich about the historical contexts of the narratives. Thus, the novel becomes a complex yet entertaining read. If we could put it in infotainment category, then it will not be an exaggeration. Overall, an interesting read which I could finish in a few hours sitting. A sequel or a prequel to the novel will be welcome among the readers for sure.

Storytelling at it's best! Focusing on the issue of blood quantum and it's role in Indian lives. Wonderful story of unity.One of my favorite quotes from the book "Indian tribes and the nooses of the U.S. Government were once familiar with each other, a part of U.S. history hidden by U.S. history books, but what was, happened regardless of what U.S. history books hide."

This book has good medicine in it for everyone! All characters came alive for me, even the evil ones. I enjoyed the way the characters were woven together towards the end. Reminded me of stories I'd not heard since I was a child. That Native Thomas did a superb job telling a wonderful story of a battle we all encounter. So nice to read a story with our Native Brothers and Sisters headlining it. Will That Native Thomas be playing the Toughest Indian Alive on the big screen???

This beautiful story was written in such a way that while reading it, you hear it in the voice of your favorite storytelling Auntie or Uncle...the one that told you all the stories your parents wouldn't. I love the interwoven humor/history/story/prophecy aspect of the book. It was a fairly quick read and worth the time spent doing so.

Each characters story was a page turner. And the characters themselves were just beautiful. I loved the Native twist that was put on the biblical prologue. And I loved the modern twist that was put on the legends, without muddying up the lessons behind the stories themselves. All in all I loved this book.