Leslie Marmon Silko - Ceremony

Pros: Interesting examination of a difficult time for a minority culture. Evocative 'nature' writing.

Cons: Caught up in the landscape, nature, organic aspects of the world.

The Bottom Line: Ceremony lives on its depictions of American Indian rituals, rites, beliefs and difficulties. In addition, the writing is very nature-focused. If that appeals, a wonderful work. If not, not.

Review: The difficulties of a war veteran returning to normal life is a theme that has proved rich, fertile, fecund. So many people, over the last hundred years, have had family members who returned from war - or didn't - or have themselves come back from...

Pros: cultural, thoughtful, complex but works on an easier level too

Cons: some may take offense of white portrayal

The Bottom Line: A good cultural novel as well as a tale of a man regaining his self-worth in a post-war situation and shunning setting.

Review: Ceremony is a novel telling the tale of Tayo, a WWII vet whose returned home to the Laguna-Pueblo reservation, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The novel powerfully portrays difficulties between Native American cultures as the dominant...

Pros: beautiful imagery, interesting story, great characterization

Cons: confusing

Review: A beautifully structured narrative that spans generations, all woven into the experiences of the main character, young Tayo. Although Silko's style can be a little difficult at first, its an enjoyable read even if one doesn't quite grasp at first...

Pros: Imagery is fantastic, Nature theme, Silko Knows the content

Cons: Some areas are hard to understand and take some time to read

Review: Silko's work "Ceremony" is a wonderful book concerning life of a World War Two veteran who is returning to the Laguna reservation in New Mexico. By far the strongest aspect of this book is the imagery that Silko flawlessly weaves throughout the...