Blood Credentials
With 2022's brilliant collection, "Night of the Living Rez," and now with his debut novel, "Fire Exit," Morgan Talty has stepped up as one of our most exciting writers. Centering around life in Maine's Penobscot Reservation, these books are not only insights into Native American issues, but they also explore universal themes of family, inclusion, and identity.
In "Fire Exit," Charles Lamosway lives just outside the Penobscot Reservation-- directly across the river from his daughter, Elizabeth, who is now in her early twenties and unaware that Charles is her father. Charles is not Penobscot, but Elizabeth's mother, Mary, and the man she has married are. Because Charles does not have the tribe's blood in him, Elizabeth would technically be excluded from tribal membership.
Charles grew up on the reservation because his mother married a member. Once Charles turned 18, he was forced to move off-- a common practice. When Mary became pregnant, she convinced him to keep their secret, otherwise Elizabeth would be exposed below the 25 percent Blood Quantum level the Penobscots accept.
Blood Quantum is the measurement determining who can and who cannot claim tribal standing. It is a rating, a ranking originally imposed by the government to whittle down the numbers of the Native American population. Many tribes embraced the practice as a self-protective practice, often in the fear that any benefits would be diluted by swollen numbers. It has effectively split cultures and arbitrarily sent souls into exile.
This whole Blood Quantum equation has paralyzed Charles. For over twenty years he has quietly watched his daughter grow up. The longing to tell her and his inability to do so has eaten him alive. A virtual outsider at this point, he longs to share his bond with his daughter, even as the rest of his family dissolves. His stepfather tragically died in a hunting accident that his mother blames him for. She rarely recognizes him anymore, as she is stumbling deeper and deeper into dementia.
And then Charles discovers that something is wrong with Elizabeth. He decides he must tell her the truth. Her truth.
Identity is a huge issue here. Elizabeth has never been told who her real father is. Charles was driven from where his roots are, his childhood home. The most influential person in his life, his stepfather, is gone. His mother not only rejects him, but her mindset is also irreversible. Now, finally, Charles is taking things into his own hands.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Fire Exit" and look forward to what Morgan Talty will bring in the future. A wonderful storyteller, a refreshing voice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With 2022's brilliant collection, "Night of the Living Rez," and now with his debut novel, "Fire Exit," Morgan Talty has stepped up as one of our most exciting writers. Centering around life in Maine's Penobscot Reservation, these books are not only insights into Native American issues, but they also explore universal themes of family, inclusion, and identity.
In "Fire Exit," Charles Lamosway lives just outside the Penobscot Reservation-- directly across the river from his daughter, Elizabeth, who is now in her early twenties and unaware that Charles is her father. Charles is not Penobscot, but Elizabeth's mother, Mary, and the man she has married are. Because Charles does not have the tribe's blood in him, Elizabeth would technically be excluded from tribal membership.
Charles grew up on the reservation because his mother married a member. Once Charles turned 18, he was forced to move off-- a common practice. When Mary became pregnant, she convinced him to keep their secret, otherwise Elizabeth would be exposed below the 25 percent Blood Quantum level the Penobscots accept.
Blood Quantum is the measurement determining who can and who cannot claim tribal standing. It is a rating, a ranking originally imposed by the government to whittle down the numbers of the Native American population. Many tribes embraced the practice as a self-protective practice, often in the fear that any benefits would be diluted by swollen numbers. It has effectively split cultures and arbitrarily sent souls into exile.
This whole Blood Quantum equation has paralyzed Charles. For over twenty years he has quietly watched his daughter grow up. The longing to tell her and his inability to do so has eaten him alive. A virtual outsider at this point, he longs to share his bond with his daughter, even as the rest of his family dissolves. His stepfather tragically died in a hunting accident that his mother blames him for. She rarely recognizes him anymore, as she is stumbling deeper and deeper into dementia.
And then Charles discovers that something is wrong with Elizabeth. He decides he must tell her the truth. Her truth.
Identity is a huge issue here. Elizabeth has never been told who her real father is. Charles was driven from where his roots are, his childhood home. The most influential person in his life, his stepfather, is gone. His mother not only rejects him, but her mindset is also irreversible. Now, finally, Charles is taking things into his own hands.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Fire Exit" and look forward to what Morgan Talty will bring in the future. A wonderful storyteller, a refreshing voice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
