Wandering Stars: A Journey Through Time
Introduction
“Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange is a powerful follow-up to his acclaimed debut novel, “There There.” This novel delves deep into the legacies of historical trauma and the enduring impact of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Through a multi-generational narrative, Orange explores the complexities of Indigenous identity, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for healing and justice.
Wandering Stars Plot Summary
The novel spans over a century, beginning in Colorado in 1864 with the Sand Creek Massacre. Star, a young survivor, is taken to Fort Marion Prison Castle, where he is forced to assimilate into Western culture under the harsh guidance of Richard Henry Pratt. Star’s son, Charles, later endures similar brutality at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. The narrative then shifts to Oakland in 2018, where Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield struggles to hold her family together after her nephew Orvil is critically injured in a shooting. The story intricately weaves together the past and present, highlighting the enduring effects of historical violence on contemporary Indigenous lives.
Wandering Stars Characters
Star: A survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, who is imprisoned and forced to assimilate.
Charles: Star’s son, who suffers abuse at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield: A central figure in the contemporary narrative, trying to heal her family.
Orvil Red Feather: Opal’s nephew, who struggles with the aftermath of a shooting and his connection to his heritage.
Lony: Orvil’s younger brother, who deals with PTSD and self-harm as he seeks to connect with his Cheyenne roots.
Wandering Stars Themes
Generational Trauma: The novel explores how historical atrocities like the Sand Creek Massacre and forced assimilation at boarding schools continue to affect Indigenous families across generations.
Identity and Resilience: Characters grapple with their cultural identity and find strength in their heritage despite ongoing challenges.
Healing and Justice: The narrative emphasizes the importance of healing from past traumas and seeking justice for historical wrongs.
Highlights of “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange
1. The Sand Creek Massacre: The novel opens with the harrowing events of the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, where Star, a young Cheyenne survivor, is taken to Fort Marion Prison Castle. This sets the stage for the exploration of historical trauma and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
2. Forced Assimilation: Star’s son, Charles, is sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where he faces brutal treatment aimed at eradicating his Native identity. This highlights the devastating effects of forced assimilation policies on Indigenous children.
3. Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield’s Struggle: In the contemporary timeline, Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield is depicted as a resilient figure trying to keep her family together after her nephew Orvil is critically injured in a shooting. Her journey underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous families.
4. Orvil Red Feather’s Recovery: Orvil’s recovery process is marked by his search for identity and connection to his heritage. His struggles with physical and emotional trauma, as well as his reliance on prescription medications, reflect the broader issues of addiction and mental health in Indigenous communities.
5. Lony’s Connection to Heritage: Lony, Orvil’s younger brother, deals with PTSD and self-harm as he attempts to connect with his Cheyenne roots through blood rituals. This subplot emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and the ways in which individuals seek to reclaim their heritage.
6. Themes of Resilience and Healing: Throughout the novel, the characters’ resilience in the face of historical and contemporary challenges is a central theme. The narrative emphasizes the importance of healing from past traumas and seeking justice for historical wrongs.
7. Cultural Preservation: The novel also highlights the significance of preserving Indigenous culture and history. Through the characters’ stories, Orange underscores the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous communities.
8. Poignant Prose: Tommy Orange’s lyrical and evocative prose brings the characters’ experiences to life, making “Wandering Stars” a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.
Why You Should Read “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange
1. Deep Historical Insight: “Wandering Stars” offers a profound exploration of historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. By understanding these events, readers gain a deeper appreciation of the historical trauma that continues to affect Indigenous communities today.
2. Rich Character Development: The novel features complex, multi-dimensional characters whose stories span generations. From Star and Charles to Opal and Orvil, each character’s journey is intricately woven, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions that resonate deeply with readers.
3. Themes of Resilience and Healing: At its core, “Wandering Stars” is a story of resilience and healing. The characters’ struggles and triumphs highlight the enduring strength of Indigenous communities and the importance of cultural preservation and justice.
4. Lyrical Prose: Tommy Orange’s evocative and lyrical writing style brings the characters and their experiences to life. His prose is both beautiful and haunting, making the novel a compelling and immersive read.
5. Contemporary Relevance: The novel addresses contemporary issues such as identity, addiction, mental health, and the ongoing impact of historical violence. It encourages readers to reflect on these issues and their relevance in today’s society.
6. Educational Value: Reading “Wandering Stars” provides valuable insights into Indigenous history and culture. It serves as an educational tool, fostering greater understanding and empathy for the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
7. Emotional Impact: The novel’s powerful storytelling evokes a wide range of emotions, from sorrow and anger to hope and inspiration. It leaves a lasting impression on readers, encouraging them to think critically about history and its ongoing effects.
8. Cultural Preservation: By highlighting the importance of cultural identity and heritage, “Wandering Stars” underscores the need to preserve and honor Indigenous cultures. It is a celebration of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.
Conclusion
“Wandering Stars” is a testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous communities and their ongoing fight for recognition and healing. Tommy Orange’s evocative prose and compelling characters make this novel a significant contribution to contemporary literature. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering and honoring history.