David O'Brien Seals

This is an irreverent story for sure. The intent of the author is quite clearly giving a more realistic, less idealized image of Indians, which is particularly clear in some amusing episode. He uses stereotypes to create humor, sometimes with a lot of fun. Some other times I even wondered whether the crudeness of some passages depends on this need to demystify the image of Indians as the wise man, the one connected to the spirit world, the honorable one. Some episodes find more meaning in this light, in my opinion.

It is an episodic story, and this is what made it a bit difficult for me to connect with it sometimes. There is a main plot evolving, but it is intertwined with many short episodes relating life in the rez, which sometimes seem completely out of context, although they do offer insight into Indian life. The episodic nature of the story was in the way – for me – to a full immersion in the events.
But some episodes are simply powerful. My favourit is the one happening at the powwow in Pine Ridge, where Buddy meets some of his old companions from the war and Wounded Knee. Here, Buddy meets Jimmy, a fellow veteran broken by the war experience. Jimmy can’t speak properly and this makes him look disabled, although it’s quite clear that his mind is still sharp, but his body just can’t follow. Still Buddy doesn’t need to hear his voice. He can connect to him fully because of the shared experience. He understands what Jimmy wants to say even if he can’t say it. And the bond between them – as with all the other veterans – is so strong, the reader can’t help but feeling touched. I loved it.

Buddy and Philbert are really unlikely companions. Sour and bitter Buddy, with no trust for anyone or anything; full of ideals and trust for people Philbert. Still it is quite clear that the one complete the other, that only by exchanging their experiences and feelings both characters can grow and gain the power that may make a difference for them and their people.
It is, after all, a journey and not only on the road.

I liked it.
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