The Map of Who We Are: A Novel (American Indian Literature & Critical Studies Series)

By Lawrence R. Smith

In a blend of history, fantasy, and allegory, a group of Americans led by a Native American who visits China to restore vitality to his dying culture fights against a group intent on erasing the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806129565
• ISBN13: 9780806129563
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Univ of Oklahoma Pr
• Length: 308 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Not to be missed!

A friend recently recommended "Map" to me, and I was skeptical that this would be something I'd enjoy. Through the first few chapters I remained skeptical, yet this novel soon hits its stride and begins to show the breadth of its characterizations and vision. The protagonists are vivid and real, whether modern-day radicals or larger than life historical figures. Smith is reaching for a spiritual and emotional higher ground, and this novel proves how earnest and humorous that journey can be.

A multicultural and complex work of fiction.

"The Map of Who We Are" is a challenging and ambitious novel with a plethora of characters and ideas, and is a rewarding read. It weaves the stories of people of all colors and time periods, forging a history of "travelers" - those special in our world's history that have the capacity to lead us to a greater understanding of ourselves. This novel reminded me Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the U.S" with its focus on the unseen heroes and unusual events that comprise a dual mythology to complement the uninspired version we learn as children. I particularly enjoyed Smith's idea of racial/gender hybridization and his off-beat sense of humor. The language in the novel may be too lyrical and poetic for some, but I believe it added to the overall richness of the novel.