Shell Shaker by LeAnne Howe

Description

Why was Red Shoes, the most formidable Choctaw warrior of the 18th century, assassinated by his own people? Why does his death haunt Auda Billy, an Oklahoma Choctaw woman, accused in 1991 of murdering Choctaw Chief Redford McAlester? Moving between the known details of Red Shoes' life and the riddle of McAlester's death, this novel traces the history of the Billy women whose destiny it is to solve both murders—with the help of a powerful spirit known as the Shell Shaker.

Very few writers show more can shift a narrative skillfully between centuries and negotiate an enemy language, tribal governments and a slew of spirits while doing so. Very few can translate the soul of such a legacy into words, and allow the shape of such a story to weave itself, like stomp dancers around the fire, naturally. LeAnne Howe has done it. Shell Shaker is an elegant, powerful and knock-out story. I'm blown away. —Joy Harjo, Mvskoke poet and musician

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3 reviews

aijmiller 541 reviews

Oh my gosh this book was just absolutely gorgeous and incredible. The intertwining stories were just incredible--and easy to follow, which is something I often struggle with when reading books like this. But this was not only so clear and connected but it also was just so beautifully crafted? There were so many beautiful, beautiful lines and I blew through it so quickly because I just could not put it down. Such a gorgeous, amazing book, and I want so many other people to read it.

Mar 26, 2018

1

DrApple 843 reviews

A beautiful novel that weaves the past and the present together,

Sep 8, 2024

Olivermagnus 1,615 reviews

1352

Jul 2, 2020