Indian Killer
 First edition | |
| Author | Sherman Alexie |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Atlantic Monthly Press |
Publication date | September 1996 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 420 |
| ISBN | 0-87113-652-X |
Indian Killer is a novel written by Sherman Alexie, featuring a serial killer in the city of Seattle, Washington, who scalps white men. Because of this technique, he is called the "Indian Killer" and rising fear provokes anti-Native American violence and racial hostility.
Plot
A serial murderer terrorizes Seattle, hunting and scalping white men. The crimes of the so-called 'Indian Killer' triggers a wave of violence and racial hatred. Seattle's Native Americans are shaken and confused.
John Smith, born Indian and raised by whites, desperately yearns for his lost heritage and seeks his elusive true identity. He meets Marie, an Indian activist outraged by people like Jack Wilson, a mystery writer who claims to be part Indian. As a bigoted radio personality incites whites to seek revenge, tensions mount and Smith fights to slake the anger that engulfs him.[1]
Reception
Publishers Weekly wrote, "this novel offers abundant evidence of a most promising talent extending its range." The editorial review on Amazon.com said, "Alexie's new novel is a departure in tone from his lyrical and funny earlier work" and that "Alexie layers the story with complications and ancillary characters".[2]
Sherman Alexie said his novel is "a feel-good novel about interracial murder".[3]
Characters
Major characters
- John Smith
- Marie Polatkin
- Jack Wilson
- Clarence Mather
- Truck Schultz
Minor characters
- Reggie Polatkin
- Mark Jones
- The Foreman
- Aaron Rogers
- David Rogers
- Olivia Smith
- Daniel Smith
References
- ↑ "ShermanAlexie.com: Indian Killer". Fallsapart.com. Retrieved 2010-12-13.
- ↑ "Indian Killer (9780446673709): Sherman Alexie: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2010-12-13.
- ↑ , City Arts Archived March 3, 2009 at the Wayback Machine
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