Review: The Only Good Indian by Stephen Graham Jones

Review of the book “The Only Good Indian” by Stephen Graham Jones.

“The Only Good Indian” by Stephen Graham Jones is a suspense and horror novel that combines the history of American colonization with supernatural and terrifying elements. The story follows a young Native American man named Lewis who works as a security guard at a factory. One day, while doing his job, he encounters a strange man who appears to be hunting something on the property. As Lewis becomes involved in the search, he realizes that he is facing a dark, evil force that threatens to destroy everything he cares about.

What makes a good horror novel? Is it the fear it provokes in the reader, the tension that is created on each page, the originality of the plot, the depth of the characters, the message it conveys? It’s probably a combination of all of these elements, and more. But not all horror novels manage to meet these expectations, and even less so those that dare to explore social and cultural themes that go beyond simple entertainment.

The Only Good Indian, by Stephen Graham Jones, is one of those rare exceptions that manages to create a masterpiece of the genre, capable of combining classic horror and a dramatic narrative that reflects on identity, guilt and revenge. It is a novel that tells the story of four childhood friends, Ricky, Gabe, Lewis and Cassidy, four American Indians who live trapped between a society that rejects them and the ossified traditions of their tribe, which they have tried to leave behind.

During their youth, they committed a tragic sacrilege against the laws and customs of their people: they entered the hunting lands reserved for the elders of the tribe and annihilated as many deer as they could. They have tried to forget it, until now. Now, something is chasing them, harassing them and massacring them, one by one. A full-fledged slasher.

Stephen Graham Jones recreates in this story with a gothic atmosphere the revenge of nature on a generation that never had opportunities. The value of tradition, of the values ​​that are rooted in collective history and legends, permeate this contemporary horror novel. The author uses the classic myth of Indian curses to talk about what it means to be a Native American today, as well as the cultural clash between ancient beliefs and the current way of life.

The Only Good Indian is a novel that captures the reader from the first page, with a fast pace and agile and precise prose. The characters are very well constructed and are believable and complex. The story is wrapped in gore and violence with a paranormal touch, but it also has emotional and moving moments. This is a book that not only entertains, but also makes you think and feel.

If you like horror novels with a social and cultural background, you can’t miss The Only Good Indian, by Stephen Graham Jones. It is a work that will make you vibrate with each chapter and that will leave you with a residue that is difficult to forget.

The novel is a fierce and heartbreaking critique of the way American society has treated Native Americans, especially in the era of colonization. The plot combines elements of true history with Native American folklore and mythology, creating a unique and terrifying mix that keeps the reader in suspense from beginning to end.

Jones’ prose is detailed and visual, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in the world he has created. Her use of language and his ability to create vivid images help establish the atmosphere of terror that permeates the entire novel.

One of the most notable things about “The Only Good Indian” is its ability to create complex and multidimensional characters. Lewis is a well-developed and realistic character, who is forced to wrestle with his identity and his place in the world. The novel also features a number of interesting supporting characters, including other Native Americans who have tense and complicated relationships with dominant white culture.

Overall, “The Only Good Indian” is a dark, fascinating and deeply emotional novel. Jones tackles difficult and complex topics in a way that is direct and honest, without sacrificing literary quality. The novel is a testament to the author’s talent as a storyteller and his ability to create a vibrant and terrifying world that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.