The Very True Story Of A Part Time Indian
Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of a teenage boy named Arnold Spirit Jr., also known as Junior. The novel depicts the struggles faced by Junior as he navigates his way through life as a Native American living on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
The Plot of the Story
The story begins with Junior introducing himself and his life on the reservation. He is a budding artist and has a fondness for drawing cartoons. However, he is constantly bullied and has a tough time fitting in due to his physical disabilities. Junior was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that caused him to have seizures, and he also has poor eyesight which requires him to wear thick glasses.
Despite the many challenges he faces, Junior is determined to make something of himself. He decides to leave the reservation to attend a predominantly white school in a nearby town called Reardan. This decision causes a rift between him and his best friend, Rowdy, who feels betrayed by Junior for leaving the reservation.
Junior struggles to fit in at his new school but eventually finds success on the school’s basketball team. He also befriends a white student named Penelope and starts a relationship with a Native American girl named Gordy. However, his success and relationships are short-lived as tragedy strikes both on and off the reservation.
The Themes of the Story
The novel explores several themes, including identity, race, class, and the struggles faced by Native Americans living on reservations. Junior grapples with his identity as a Native American and the conflicting expectations placed upon him by his culture and the white world. He also faces discrimination and racism from his white classmates.
The story sheds light on the harsh realities of life on a reservation, including poverty, alcoholism, and violence. Junior’s family and friends are all affected by these issues, and he is forced to confront them head-on. The novel also touches on the importance of education as a means of escaping poverty and the cycle of despair that plagues many Native American communities.
The Reception of the Story
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” has been well-received by both critics and readers. The novel won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2007 and has since become a popular choice in schools across the United States. The book has been praised for its honest portrayal of Native American life and its relatable themes of adolescence and growing up.
However, the book has also faced controversy in some communities due to its explicit language and mature themes. Some parents and educators have challenged the book’s inclusion in school curriculums, arguing that it is inappropriate for young readers. Despite this, the novel continues to be a widely-read and beloved work of young adult fiction.
The Bottom Line
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex issues faced by Native Americans in the United States. Through Junior’s journey, the book sheds light on the struggles of those living on reservations and the importance of education and self-determination in breaking the cycle of poverty and despair. The novel is well-written, relatable, and highly recommended to readers of all ages.