On November 22nd, the Randolph Library Book Club met to discuss the November book Never Whistle at Night, an anthology edited by Shane Hawk.
The intriguing collection of short stories Never Whistle At Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology delves into the complex and varied experiences of Native Americans. These 26 stories challenge readers to face the immense tragedy and loss brought on by colonization’s enduring impact. It exposes the unforgiving nature of institutional injustice, explicit prejudice, and the exoticization that Native Americans have experienced and continue to experience.
Within these pages, we encounter a range of pressing issues that resonate deeply within Indigenous communities, including the discussion surrounding blood purity and the pervasive fear of cultural erasure. Each story serves as a lens through which we can better understand these challenges that many Indigenous people have to navigate.
The anthology is rich in its incorporation of ideas upheld by various Native groups, incorporating elements of the otherworldly and supernatural. These stories highlight strong community values, exploring the connection that exists among individuals and their shared cultural heritage. Nature, as well as the notion of the ‘unnatural,’ is treated with profound respect and reverence. When this respect is violated, these elements are used to deliver a sense of retribution, illustrating the consequences of disrespecting both land and tradition.
While many of the stories harbor an unsettling undertone, they frequently conclude with refreshingly grotesque twists that challenge conventional expectations. The narrative arcs are gripping and unexpected. This anthology not only captivates but also provokes thought, encouraging a deeper understanding of the Indigenous experience and the complexities that shape it. Each story stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Native voices.
Contributed by Library Peer Ambassador Sara Hinduja Obregon
