Cheyenne Madonna

Cheyenne Madonna (ISBN 978-1-57423-216-5) is a collection of linked short stories by Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee author Eddie Chuculate, published in July 2010 by Black Sparrow Books,^[1] an imprint of David R. Godine, Publisher, in Boston.

Storyline

The seven stories follow the life of Jordan Coolwater, who leaves Oklahoma and goes West to pursue a sculpting career, all the while battling the two constants in his life: alcohol and art. The stories also explore history, myth, interracial relationships, racism and father-son relationships. The first story in the collection, "Galveston Bay, 1826," won a PEN/O. Henry Award^[2] in 2007, and was juror Ursula K. Le Guin's favorite story in that year's edition.^[3] The second story, "Yo Yo," received a Pushcart Prize citation. Other stories in the book were previously published in the literary journals Manoa,^[4] Ploughshares,^[5] Blue Mesa Review, the Iowa Review,^[6] Many Mountains Moving and the Kenyon Review.^[7] On July 19, 2010, Publishers Weekly reviewed: "Chuculate writes forthright prose in a somber key, examining without judgment the lives of Native American characters. ... Memory and will converge here to powerful effect."^[8]

References