Description
Book SynopsisSovereign Stories examines contemporary Native American writers’ engagement with various forms of cultural, political, and artistic sovereignty. The author considers literature’s ability to initiate vital discussions about tribal autonomy in modern America and suggests that innovative literary styles are a compelling articulation of the connection between aesthetic and political concerns. In so doing, he concentrates on fictional and poetic forms, the structure and imagery of which comment on indigenous autonomy, selfdetermination, and artistic activism. Offering original selective analysis of the fiction and poetry of Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, Sherman Alexie, David Treuer, LeAnne Howe, Louise Erdrich, Greg Sarris, and Craig Womack, this book explores these tribal authors’ concern with intellectual and creative sovereignty and deftly links those interests to the broader cultural and political issues faced by Native American communities today.
Trade Review«In ‘Sovereign Stories’, Padraig Kirwan considers the notion of ‘aesthetic sovereignty’ and wades fully into some of the most controversial and complicated issues in Indigenous literature criticism today. The resulting readings are refreshing, incisive, often contentious, and always impressive. Kirwan’s study is a provocative, well-researched, and carefully considered scholarly contribution to the field, and all the more welcome for its intellectual generosity and fair-mindedness.» (Daniel Heath Justice, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Literature and Expressive Culture, University of British Columbia)
«‘Sovereign Stories’ takes many turns and pathways—all leading to the story of American Indian tribal sovereignty. It will teach on both sides of the big waters!» (LeAnne Howe, author of
Choctalking on Other Realities).
Table of ContentsContents: Who’s Afraid of Elizabeth Cook-Lynn? Nationalism and Voice in
Aurelia – «Indigenous to the Land, an Immigrant to the Culture»: Sherman Alexie and the Third Space of Sovereignty – «All the Talk and All the Silence»: Literary Aesthetics and Cultural Boundaries in David Treuer’s
Little – Portrait of the Artist: Authority, Autonomy, and Authorship in Louise Erdrich’s
Shadow Tag – Choctalking: The Realities of Fiction in LeAnne Howe’s
Shell Shaker – «Not a Chaotic Wake, Not an Empty Space»: The Future of Art, Life, and Criticism in the Work of Craig Womack and Greg Sarris.
