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A review by justinkhchen
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
4.0
4.5 stars
A story of retribution that packs a punch, both for its emotional delivery and creep factor. As strange as this might sounds, Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill came to mind during my reading of The Only Good Indians. Analyzing this more thoroughly, I think the comparison comes from the straight-forwardness of its narrative, as well as the treatment of violence; yes, it is grisly and gut-punching (one particular scene literally left me jaw-dropped), but still maintains a sense of purpose, never feeling gratuitous. In this case, the physical horror represents repressed guilt.
This story is seeped in Native American belief. I've noticed some readers consider 'the incident' weak and unsubstantial, doesn't warrant all the tragedies that follow thereafter. But it's worth keeping in mind the Indigenous peoples have a vastly different attitude towards nature, compare to most Anglo-western society. For a culture that is deeply spiritual, maintaining a close-knit relationship with Earth and all life above it, I find the cause and effect completely justified and engrossing.
I definitely had moments when I need to stop reading and Google (such as the Blackfeet sweat lounge ritual), or simply try to interpret by context; the ultra-authentic writing style will take time getting acclimated. I ultimately did grow quite fond of Stephen Graham Jones's approach, the text rings true to its character and environment, filled with tribal terminology and local vernacular, without feeling compromised or simplified to appeal the mainstream readers. This plus a stream-of-consciousness storytelling, The Only Good Indians is by all means not a bingeable book; it is a reading experience best enjoyed focused and prolonged, where you can chew on words and really familiarize the cultural context.
**Minor spoiler ahead**
It's as if the author was bound by contract to deliver a 300+ pages novel (the story is 305 pages in my hardcover), The Only Good Indians's third act is long-winded ans rather tedious, with just two events stretched thin across 50 pages: an extended game of 1-on-1 basketball, and a sluggish chase scene where the predator literally strolls towards its victim.
The story also veers into a trajectory I don't particularly like in my horror, where the supernatural has extended interaction (like conversation or physical activity) with the living. It's a tad too 'Casper the Friendly Ghost' for me, particularly jarring in comparison to the ominous, kept-in-the-shadow, and malicious persona previously established. Fortunately the narrative rights itself for its closing, offering a cyclical view on life, and wrapping the preceding horror with a glimmer of hope.
**Minor spoiler ends**
Overall, The Only Good Indians is a fascinating read, not only does it deliver as a horror experience, it is also told through a point of view drastically different from what's on the market (as in, White people). While challenging to get into, and can use some trimming in its third act—this is an easy recommendation.
A story of retribution that packs a punch, both for its emotional delivery and creep factor. As strange as this might sounds, Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill came to mind during my reading of The Only Good Indians. Analyzing this more thoroughly, I think the comparison comes from the straight-forwardness of its narrative, as well as the treatment of violence; yes, it is grisly and gut-punching (one particular scene literally left me jaw-dropped), but still maintains a sense of purpose, never feeling gratuitous. In this case, the physical horror represents repressed guilt.
This story is seeped in Native American belief. I've noticed some readers consider 'the incident' weak and unsubstantial, doesn't warrant all the tragedies that follow thereafter. But it's worth keeping in mind the Indigenous peoples have a vastly different attitude towards nature, compare to most Anglo-western society. For a culture that is deeply spiritual, maintaining a close-knit relationship with Earth and all life above it, I find the cause and effect completely justified and engrossing.
I definitely had moments when I need to stop reading and Google (such as the Blackfeet sweat lounge ritual), or simply try to interpret by context; the ultra-authentic writing style will take time getting acclimated. I ultimately did grow quite fond of Stephen Graham Jones's approach, the text rings true to its character and environment, filled with tribal terminology and local vernacular, without feeling compromised or simplified to appeal the mainstream readers. This plus a stream-of-consciousness storytelling, The Only Good Indians is by all means not a bingeable book; it is a reading experience best enjoyed focused and prolonged, where you can chew on words and really familiarize the cultural context.
**Minor spoiler ahead**
It's as if the author was bound by contract to deliver a 300+ pages novel (the story is 305 pages in my hardcover), The Only Good Indians's third act is long-winded ans rather tedious, with just two events stretched thin across 50 pages: an extended game of 1-on-1 basketball, and a sluggish chase scene where the predator literally strolls towards its victim.
The story also veers into a trajectory I don't particularly like in my horror, where the supernatural has extended interaction (like conversation or physical activity) with the living. It's a tad too 'Casper the Friendly Ghost' for me, particularly jarring in comparison to the ominous, kept-in-the-shadow, and malicious persona previously established. Fortunately the narrative rights itself for its closing, offering a cyclical view on life, and wrapping the preceding horror with a glimmer of hope.
**Minor spoiler ends**
Overall, The Only Good Indians is a fascinating read, not only does it deliver as a horror experience, it is also told through a point of view drastically different from what's on the market (as in, White people). While challenging to get into, and can use some trimming in its third act—this is an easy recommendation.