First Review: Sherman Alexie's Indian Killer!

Hello readers!

Your host Kenneth returns, and running off of last week's post, I want to discuss Sherman Alexie's Indian Killer!As mentioned in last week's topic, Death of the Author, there is much debate around Alexie's novel Indian Killer because of some of the author's actions that in some ways contradict the opinion he seems to show in his novel. In addition to this, though, the novel is surrounded by controversy simply by virtue of what it says (or implies) and the trouble Alexie goes to hide this message.

At first glance, the novel is about a Native American man, ironically named John Smith, raised by white people who lacks cultural attachment and identity while still being judged by those around him to understand something he is not a part of. This lays the foundation for an identity crisis that turns him towards murderous intent, sure that if he kills a white man, he will find solace in his life. Despite this distinct resolution to kill, the rotating perspective of the novel deliberately obfuscates the nature of the murders that begin to take place, and paired with the intentional fearmongering of a local radio host, the justification of the murders is called into question.

Alexie's novel calls into question the notion of identity and emphasizes the idea of Native American plurality, while using multiple perspectives to show how differently people think. Indian Killer asks the question of who should be allowed to tell a group's stories, and by taking advantage of a novel within the novel, does so through many layers! Using sharp language and biting humor, this novel is an important work of Native fiction, and I believe strongly shows the importance of Death of the Author.