Ceremony (1977), also by Silko, interweaves free verse poetry with narrative prose. The novel tells the story of Tayo, a World War II veteran of mixed Anglo-Indian heritage, who returns to the reservation after the war, psychologically wounded by his war experiences. Rejecting alcohol and other diversions, Tayo must come to terms with his cultural heritage in a process of spiritual and psychological healing. Other stories by Silko that explore the role of storytelling and storyteller in contemporary Native American culture are included in her collection, Storyteller (1981), which is a compilation of autobiographical reminiscences, stories, poetry, songs, and photographs.
Other novels of interest regarding the Native American tradition and the evolution of contemporary Native American identity include The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (1993) by Sherman Alexie, a collection of short stories about growing up on the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation in Washington. Also of interest may be Love Medicine (1984) by Louise Erdrich-this is considered one of the best known novels by one of the most prominent Native American writers of the Native American literary renaissance, and it is comprised of fourteen interconnected stories told by seven different members of the Turtle Mountain Chippawa community.
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