Staff Reviews

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Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko is her classic novel set in New Mexico’s Laguna Pueblo Reservation. Tayo returns from WWII with tormenting memories.  He has seen and felt much pain, the violent death of fellow soldiers, the Baatan Death March, the horrific end of the war with Japan, things no one should endure.  White medicine only deadens his senses.  Back on the reservation he seeks that numbness in alcohol along with other Native American Soldiers.  His home has changed while he was away, too, and now he must reckon with this new situation.  Eventually Tayo will seek the help of a Shaman to perform a ceremony and help restore balance to their world.  Native American legends are part of the story.  Tayo has many adventures, including a hair raising cattle drive.  If you are interested in Native America literature, this is a beautifully written novel of great power.

 

— Deon Stonehouse