Blonde Indian: An Alaska Native Memoir Volume 57

by Ernestine Hayes

Book Overview

In the spring, the bear returns to the forest, the glacier returns to its source, and the salmon returns to the fresh water where it was spawned. Drawing on the special relationship that the Native people of southeastern Alaska have always had with nature, Blonde Indian is a story about returning.

Told in eloquent layers that blend Native stories and metaphor with social and spiritual journeys, this enchanting memoir traces the author's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816525374
• ISBN13: 9780816525379
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

New fav author

Being a mixed Tlingit from SE AK this resonated a lot. Hayes is an incredible author. Multiple beautiful perspectives woven together.

Blonde Indian

Excellent demonstration of the loss and regaining of spirit. More than just an aboriginal snap shot, this book is a vital look at loss of spirit in our western culture at large.

beautiful, strongly indigenous voice

By weaving myth, memoir, and parallel fictional story lines, this book manages to be modern while retaining a strong indigenous voice that reminds me of the stories I was told as a child. I grew up in the Alaska Native community, and reading this book always makes me want to return home, to the streams, mountains, and oceans that I belong to.

One of the best memoirs I've read

This gorgeous and unusual book should be required reading for both lovers of memoir and anyone who lives in "Indian Country" (which, really, is most of us.) Hayes layers narratives of self, land, history and tribe in an unusual way that feels utterly organic. She also offers real insight into both the brokenheartedness and the joy that characterize modern Native people's experience. Though it is not without minor flaws, I give this book 5 stars because it is amazing and unique.

Deeply affecting story everyone should read

Ernestine Hayes has captured what it means to grow up with one foot in white culture, the other in a native way of life she must struggle to keep alive and burning in her heart. I loved the way native stories wove in and out of her experiences. I hope she has another book in the works because I want to read more of what she has to say.