Summary: A jewel bearing factory is one of the only employment options on Turtle Mountain Reservation. Patrice “Pixie” is one of the lucky few to have a job, and works tirelessly for little pay, day in and day out. By night, Tom “Muskrat” works as the plant’s watchman. When Congress proposes a Native American emancipation bill in 1953, they both play a role in confronting their big-headed senator from North Dakota.
Takeaways: Although a novel with fascinating twists and turns, the character of Tom is based on the author’s grandfather who advocated at the Capitol against a bill that would threaten the land and freedom of his people. The beautiful writing and memorable personalities made me “hear” the interactions between fictional characters and develop empathy for indigenous residents of the U.S.
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