Oliver La Farge (1901–1963)

Laughing Boy was published in 1929, and is billed on the cover as "the first authentic novel of the Navajo Indians." Oliver LaFarge was something of an authority on Native Americans, working as an activist most of his life. So I expected an account of day-to-day Native American life, describing customs and rituals that are more widely understood today. LaFarge does this in a surprisingly eloquent, lyrical way, such as this passage describing the start of a horse race:

Arrows from the bow -- show more no other simile. At the tearing gallop, flat-stretched, backs are level, the animals race in a straight line; all life is motion; there is no body, only an ecstasy; one current between man and horse, and still embodied, a whip hand to pour in leather and a mouth to shout. Speed, speed, but the near goal is miles away, and other speed spirits on either side will not fall back. (p. 56)

But this book is much more than cultural education. It is also a beautiful love story. Laughing Boy, a Navajo brave, meets Slim Girl at a dance and is instantly taken with her. She was raised by whites, so their relationship is controversial within Laughing Boy's family & tribe. She also has a bit of a reputation that he is blissfully unaware of. He helps her reconnect to her roots and learn traditional crafts; she helps him discover the wider world beyond his tribe. Their relationship evolves as they come of age themselves. LaFarge is far less lyrical when writing about relationships, and yet he manages to convey each person's deepest feelings of love, and of fear of failing the other. This book gets a 3-star rating because while it was good, it lacked a certain depth. It almost earned another half or full star because of its very moving ending. Recommended. show less

First published in 1929, but still eminently readable, this novel tells the story of Laughing Boy and Slim Girl, two young Navajo who earn the disapproval of his peers by marrying without family approval.

Slim Girl is one of the countless young Native Americans who was taken away from her home in early childhood and sent to one of the Indian Boarding Schools designed to "civilize" young Native Americans by denying them their cultural heritage. Now a young woman wanting to return to tribal show more ways, she finds herself with a foot in each culture.

Introspective and low-key, the novel nevertheless is profoundly moving as these two young people try hard to build a life, but the falseness of their relationship's foundation foreshadows heartbreak.

Slim Girl's character is particularly well-written; LaFarge manages to make her understandable, if not particularly pleasant. Taught by harsh reality to survive in any way she can, she manipulates Laughing Boy, yet underneath that manipulation is a genuine love for him. Her struggles to succeed both as a traditional Navajo wife and to accumulate the material wealth of the "American" world by which she has been brutalized make her a flawed but fascinating character. show less

In spite of my reluctance to give 5 star ratings, I find myself unable to consider anything else for this wonderful book. In spite of being a first novel, it won a Pulitzer Prize and certainly deserved it.
I probably should not be surprised that I am giving 5 star ratings lately since I depend so heavily on the ratings and comments of others whenever I choose a book, but since those ratings have been so helpful, I feel a bit duty-bound to pay it forward.
Laughing Boy is an intense love story, show more not the usual go-to novel for guys, but one that is worth getting out of the male rut. The strengths of this novel are that it develops both the characters and their feelings for one another with such precision, such insightful detail and such empathy for the characters, their relationship and the struggle they face. Its other strength is its ability to so beautifully depict the Navajo culture in which the story occurs.
A few years ago, Tony Hillerman created a series of crime/suspense novels set on the Navajo Reservation and detailedly describing the Navajo culture while also telling compelling murder mystery stories. I read every one of his books as did everyone in my office. Reading Laughing Boy takes me back to that experience and give me the same feeling of authenticity that Hillerman's books did.
For anyone who has been in love, totally, unconditionally besotted with another, this book will ring true, reminding them of the early days of their passion and perhaps renewing it through its honest and detailed portrayal.
This book was written over 55 years ago yet continues to receive the type of praise that earns respect, that can make a book stay around for many years until it is finally recognized as a classic.
It is a book that readers will not only read but will also feel and remember. show less

I have a habit of regularly picking up a prize winner as one of my ways of making sure I read a variety of authors. Sometimes I am disappointed or even bored with the result, but more often I am thrilled to make a new discovery. Laughing Boy was one of those discoveries. The story begins in a very simple manner, what even feels initially to be overly simple. Boy meets girl: a love story.

But as you read, the story becomes more complex. Laughing Boy was raised in a traditional Navajo family. show more He is very astute and capable in that lifestyle; he can make a living. However, when it comes to love, he seems quite naïve. Slim Girl was removed from her family at an early age and given an American education. She feels something has been stolen from her, and she is on the outside looking in. The relationship between Laughing Boy and Slim Girl reflects the conflict developing between the traditional Navajo way of life and the American culture that is encroaching all around them.

Their relationship is complicated in other ways as well. Slim Girl is conniving and manipulative. Is she just using Laughing Boy? It is clear she loves him though. What drives her dishonesty? She is very focused on building as much security as possible before giving up the benefits of living among the Americans. Why is she not willing to take risks for the life she wants?

This novel won the Pulitzer Prize in 1930, and in my opinion, was very much deserving. show less