There There

Tommy Orange is a contemporary Native American author of Cheyenne and Arapaho descent, whose debut novel, There There, has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Orange’s work is deeply influenced by his urban Native American heritage and the complexities of modern indigenous identity. There There, published in 2018, is a powerful narrative that weaves together the stories of twelve Native American characters living in Oakland, culminating in a poignant and explosive climax at a powwow. The novel has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and resilience of Native American communities in urban settings. Orange’s contributions to contemporary literature have not only brought greater visibility to Native American voices but have also sparked important conversations about identity, displacement, and cultural survival in the modern world.