Publication date:
21 September 2007Length of book:
282 pagesPublisher
AltaMira PressISBN-13: 9780759111202
In Not Far Away, a semi-fictional memoir, Lois Beardslee gives a chilling acount of racism, particularly that leveled against Native women, in language that is supple, evocative, often comical, and always incisive. Her fictional heroine, the teacher Ima Pipiig (pronounced 'buh-BEEG'), endures humiliating insults from school administrators, fellow teachers, students, and callous neighbors. For years, she suffers in silence, believing that opposing bigotry would only fuel its caustic flames—but then she begins to speak out. Scattered among the chapters chronicling Ima's experiences are essays and speeches written by the author herself, blurring the line between fiction and fact and creating a kind of resounding echo of resistance that is the author's response to racism.
Once again Lois Beardslee goes right to the heart, both figuratively and pointedly. Through her own voice and experiences, and through that of her semi-fictional, semi-autobiographical alter-ego, Ima Pipiig, she effectively makes abundantly clear the many forms that racism takes, permeating social institutions and every aspect of our daily lives. Her words, carefully considered, yet straight from the wounds of experience, speak powerfully to Native and non-Native readers alike. This book is highly recommended to the general reader and to every student seriously seeking insights into contemporary American society.