BOOK#13 WANDERING STARS BY TOMMY ORANGE, LONGLISTED FOR #BOOKERPRIZE2024

The author continues to mesmerize readers with his magical writing, shedding light on the ongoing struggles and historical difficulties faced by Native Americans. The story opens with Jude Star, a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre—a brutal and devastating attack on the Cheyenne and Arapaho people by the U.S. Army in 1864. From the very first chapter, the reader is pulled into the weight of generational trauma, as Jude Star’s descendants bear the scars of this massacre through the decades.
Several characters from Tommy Orange's previous novel, There There, reappear in Wandering Stars, which offers a continuity that fans of his earlier work will appreciate. While this book could be read as a stand-alone, having the context of There There allows for a richer, more nuanced understanding of the recurring characters and themes. It’s clear that Orange continues to explore the idea of identity, displacement, and the ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous communities.

The book is divided into three parts, with Part 1 steeped in historical detail, focusing primarily on Jude Star and his descendants as they navigate the trauma passed down through generations. Parts 2 and 3 shift toward more contemporary struggles, showing how the descendants of survivors continue to grapple with the legacies of violence and oppression in today’s world.

One of the most compelling themes in the novel is the way Orange addresses historical trauma. The book poignantly illustrates how trauma is not just an event in the past, but a living, breathing force that shapes the present. Generations inherit the pain and damage of their ancestors, not just psychologically, but in the form of cultural loss, discrimination, and poverty. While the characters in Wandering Stars continue to battle the effects of genocide, torture, rape, and other atrocities faced by their ancestors, they also face modern-day challenges like substance abuse, broken families, and systemic prejudice. The weight of history and the present collide, making the reader acutely aware of the enduring effects of colonization.


Orange does a brilliant job portraying the plight of newer generations, many of whom find themselves in the grip of substance abuse, poverty, and fractured identities. The way he handles these complex issues is both sensitive and brutally honest, showing how survival often means more than just overcoming personal hardship—it’s about carrying the burden of a painful legacy while also confronting the harsh realities of the present.
One of my favourite aspects of the book is the portrayal of the grandmother-grandson relationship. Their bond feels authentic and raw, bringing warmth and tenderness to an otherwise heavy narrative. 
Another standout moment is the sudden shift to a second-person narrative in the chapter on Victoria. This stylistic change felt deliberate, almost as if the author was trying to break the fourth wall and speak directly to the reader. The use of the second person gave the chapter a prophetic tone, almost like an oral history being passed down—a voice from the past speaking to the present, urging the reader to pay attention. It was a bold narrative choice that added a mystical, almost spiritual dimension to the story.

In Wandering Stars, Tommy Orange once again proves his ability to weave together history, culture, and the contemporary Indigenous experience with profound insight. The novel captures the weight of generational trauma while also illuminating the strength, resilience, and identity that endure in the face of such overwhelming odds.