There There by Tommy Orange

Tommy Orange’s debut novel, There There, is a compelling and heart-wrenching exploration of urban Native American life, identity, and the complexities of modern existence. The novel, published in 2018, weaves together the stories of twelve distinct characters, all of whom are connected by their shared Native American heritage, though they are spread across Oakland, California, and the surrounding areas. Through their personal narratives, Orange paints a vivid, multifaceted picture of the struggles and triumphs of contemporary Indigenous people.

A Multi-Narrative Structure

One of the novel's most striking features is its intricate structure. There There doesn’t follow a traditional linear storyline. Instead, it is composed of interconnected chapters, each focusing on a different character. From Orvil Red Feather, a young boy searching for his heritage, to Tony Loneman, a young man dealing with the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome, the book captures the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the urban Native American community.

Each character in There There is dealing with a unique set of challenges, ranging from alienation and dislocation to addiction and trauma. However, the common thread running through their lives is the search for belonging—whether it’s a connection to their Native roots, a sense of family, or the desire to be seen and understood in a world that often overlooks or marginalizes them.

Themes of Identity and Displacement

At its core, There There is about identity. The novel explores the complicated nature of being Native American in the 21st century, especially in urban environments like Oakland, where Native American communities have historically been dispersed and fragmented. These characters grapple with the tension between their cultural heritage and the pressures of living in a predominantly white, urban society. Many of them struggle to define what being "Native" means in a world that often forces them to confront stereotypes and expectations.

The theme of displacement is also central to the narrative. Urban Native Americans often face a double marginalization: they are disconnected from their ancestral lands and cultures, yet they are still subject to the stereotypes and prejudices of mainstream society. Orange poignantly addresses this in the novel, showing how characters wrestle with the loss of tradition and the absence of community.

The Legacy of Trauma

Another significant theme in There There is the legacy of trauma, both personal and collective. Orange delves into the deep and painful scars left by centuries of colonialism, forced assimilation, and violence against Native people. The characters in the novel are, in many ways, survivors of this history. They live with the weight of historical trauma, which manifests in various ways: addiction, violence, broken families, and identity confusion.

One of the most powerful moments in the book is when the characters’ paths converge at the Oakland Powwow, an event that becomes a symbolic space for reclaiming and revitalizing Native culture. The Powwow serves as a moment of convergence for these fractured lives, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage and, in some ways, begin to heal.

A Story of Resilience

Despite the challenges they face, the characters in There There are resilient. The novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of their lives, but it also highlights their strength and perseverance. Whether it’s Orvil Red Feather learning about his ancestors through YouTube videos or Dene Oxendene, a filmmaker documenting the stories of his community, each character finds a way to hold on to their identity and make sense of their place in the world.

Orange’s portrayal of resilience is especially powerful because it doesn’t sanitize the hardships these characters face. Instead, it shows that survival is not just about enduring hardship, but about finding moments of grace, connection, and meaning amid the struggles.

The Importance of Representation

There There is also a landmark book in terms of representation. Native American voices are often underrepresented in literature, and when they are represented, they are frequently confined to stereotypes or historical narratives. Orange, however, brings contemporary Native American experiences to the forefront, showing the diversity, complexity, and richness of urban Indigenous life.

By centering his characters in a modern, urban context, Orange challenges readers to expand their understanding of what it means to be Native American. His characters are not relics of the past, but living, breathing individuals navigating a world that is often indifferent to their struggles. In doing so, he provides a much-needed platform for Native voices and experiences, inviting readers to see the world through a new lens.

Conclusion: A Powerful and Necessary Voice

Tommy Orange’s There There is a remarkable novel that tackles themes of identity, community, trauma, and resilience with depth and nuance. Through its multifaceted narrative and richly developed characters, the book provides an unflinching look at the complexities of modern Native American life. Orange's work is both a celebration of Indigenous culture and a critique of the ongoing struggles faced by Native people in America. In the end, There There is not just a story about what has been lost, but also about what can still be reclaimed, rebuilt, and remembered.

There There is a necessary book, not only for its contribution to Native American literature but for its broader exploration of human connection, survival, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. It’s a novel that resonates long after the final page, leaving readers with much to think about in terms of identity, history, and what it truly means to belong.