“Wandering through old buildings is not my idea of a vacation. Sure, there’s history here but most of it revolves around state-sponsored mayhem and gratuitous violence, assassinations, expulsion of ethic groups, court intrigue, occupation by Nazis, Russians, and the International Monetary fund. Blood and money, all reduced to postcards, flags, garnets, posters and beer cosmetics.”

Indians on Vacation is a wry story about a couple on vacation in Prague trying to find a long lost uncle and the medicine bundle he took with him. The two “indians on vacation” are Mimi Bullshield - an outgoing artist, loving and confident in herself (“Blackfoot” she says when assumed to be American) and Blackbird Mavrias, a Cherokee-Greek award-winning photojournalist (“anything with a feather and a drum, I covered”) who is followed around by five demons. Among these demons is his self loathing, called Eugene; Cat, his catastrophizing; the twins Dede and Desi, his depression and despair; and Chip, the chip off his shoulder. 

In Prague, Mimi, Bird, and his demons, visit the sights, get lost in crowds,  and take an impromptu trip to Budapest. Bird struggles with himself, they struggle with their privilege, and as a couple at times. The vacation is mundane in all but its original purpose. While this book has been given awards for humour, it is not a laugh-out-loud romp. This humour is introspective, satirical, and dark at times. But the realistic love and tenderness Bird and Mimi have for each other keeps the darkness at bay.

The second book by King I’ve read this year, I could see the signature of his writing: masterfully interweaving Bird’s and Mimi’s time in Prague with past vacations, their own personal histories, and Bird’s childhood. The book felt like each chapter was woven together, with the picture becoming clearer through to the end.

Definitely give this book by a Canadian icon a read (or listen). It certainly got my wanderlust going (especially since I nearly booked a Prague trip in 2018), but it was all worth it at the end.