Book Summary
“The Only Good Indians” spins a terrifying tale of revenge, blending classic horror elements with social commentary about contemporary life in Native American communities. The narrative follows four American Indian men — Lewis, Gabe, Cassidy, and Ricky — who, during their youth, participated in an ill-fated elk hunt on the elders’ hunting grounds. Their transgression sparks a series of events that have far-reaching consequences. The elk they killed was pregnant, and now, years later, they find themselves haunted by the vengeful spirit of the elk, manifesting as a woman with an elk head, who begins picking them off one by one in a grisly fashion. The story is unflinching in its violence, underscoring the repercussions of their disrespect for life and tradition. Despite its surface-level horror, the novel delves deeper, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and the struggle to reconcile a heritage-rich past with the harsh realities of modern life on reservations. Jones crafts a narrative that is as much a commentary on indigenous life as it is a chilling horror story.
Author Intro
Stephen Graham Jones
Stephen Graham Jones is a highly esteemed author of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Known for his unique narratives and captivating storytelling style, Jones has been recognized with several awards, including the Bram Stoker Award and the Shirley Jackson Award. A member of the Blackfeet tribe, Jones often infuses his work with his Native American heritage, incorporating poignant social commentaries within the frame of his often supernatural tales.
Book Reviews
Stephen Graham Jones’ “The Only Good Indians” is a brilliant horror tale that seamlessly melds cultural identity and supernatural suspense. The novel features rich, complex characters and a unique narrative that is both captivating and terrifying. The exploration of guilt, tradition, and heritage in the backdrop of a relentless haunting marks this novel as a standout in the horror genre. Jones’ distinctive voice, combined with his ability to masterfully portray his characters’ psychological and emotional depth, keeps readers invested and engaged throughout.
In “The Only Good Indians,” Stephen Graham Jones crafts a powerful commentary on Native American life, steeped in a chilling horror narrative. The story unfolds with a sense of dread that is palpable, effectively unsettling readers as the haunting intensifies. At the heart of the book lies the struggle of its characters to reconcile their cultural heritage with their present circumstances, expertly highlighting the complexities of indigenous identity. Jones’ writing style, evocative and vivid, enhances the narrative’s atmosphere and tension, making it a gripping read.
“The Only Good Indians” is a well-crafted tale that weaves together horror and cultural commentary. However, readers should be warned that the novel doesn’t shy away from graphic violence and may not appeal to those with a faint heart. Despite the narrative’s grim tone, Jones’ exploration of Native American identity and tradition adds a poignant layer to the story, making it more than just a straightforward horror novel. Nonetheless, the story’s pacing may be inconsistent at times, which may affect the overall reading experience.
“The Only Good Indians” is an ambitious horror novel that aims to tackle weighty issues of indigenous identity and guilt. While the novel’s premise is intriguing, the execution falls short of expectations. The graphic violence feels gratuitous at times and detracts from the underlying commentary the book intends to convey. Furthermore, the narrative pacing is inconsistent, with some sections of the novel moving slowly and others rushing forward, resulting in a somewhat disjointed reading experience.
