El Paso, Tex. : Cinco Puntos Press, 2014.
326 p. ; 24 cm.
I truly enjoyed reading House of Purple Cedar. Tingle's novel is filled with mystery, surrealism, danger, great characters and rarely told history. But, I found myself wondering why it is being targeted toward young adults instead of an adult audience. Publisher's Weekly noted that "much of the dialogue and exposition feels more appropriate for young adult literature" and I would take issue with that assessment. I believe the book is a fine literary novel that adults would enjoy and appreciate.
The story centers around events that happened in a young girl's life in the late 1890s in Choctaw territory in the state of Oklahoma. The novel is an exploration of violence, accountability, redemption, community and family relations, racism, and spirituality.
Along the way, there are murders, wildlife attacks, a panther that may or may not be a ghost, and humorous and touching romances. The novel is written in a literary style that at times called to mind, Bless Me Ultima. I will definitely be recommending it to adults that I know and occasionally to the teen reader who wants something serious and challenging.
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