“Jeannette C. Armstrong's Slash is an important novel, and not simply because it chronicles--in a roundabout way--the political and social struggles of Native North Americans over the last few decades. Its subject no doubt contributed to some of its initial critical and popular success, especially within the ever increasingly politically correct world of academia. Thomas "Slash" Kelasket, the novel's protagonist and narrator, could care less about that world. It has no real bearing on his experiences and his struggles to make sense of his identity as an Okanagan man, as an "Indian," in politically charged times. Slash is a flawed man. He talks a good game, but mostly to himself, as he looks back on his life and tells his story from the safety of hindsight. He's made many mistakes before returning full circle to family and traditional ways after years of wayward wandering. But his return avoids the cliché of a happy ending, requiring Slash to reconcile the realities of his experiences, including life on reserves, racism, drug and alcohol abuse, and the seemingly senseless loss of friends and lovers. Slash needs to become comfortable in his own skin, to decide whether he's an Indian or a costume, and pass that lesson on to his son. Armstrong has given life to an enduring character in Slash Kelasket, who is much more than simply a mouthpiece for a particular ideology." --Jonathan Dewar
To purchase:
At the Methow Valley Interpretive Center (open Saturdays from 12pm-3pm)
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