Looking for Smoke is K.A. Cobell’s debut novel for young adults. A member of the Blackfeet nation, Cobell takes on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) that haunt the indigenous nations within the western USA. As Geraldine, the grandmother of one of the missing/murdered notes, “If you want to get away with murder, do it on an Indian reservation” (p, 39). Told through the perspective of four teens, the novel focuses on the teen’s reactions to one missing girl and another murdered girl who they knew intimately as either a friend or relative. In connection to the story of the missing or murdered young women, the novel includes issues of identity, drug-usage, poverty, and family dynamics that are part of these young people’s lives. It also addresses the pride of community and tradition that allow for a well-rounded sense of people and place.
Considered persons of interest because of their connection to Rayanne, who is missing, and Samantha who was murdered, the four friends come to realize that the authorities in charge of the investigations may not be unbiased or actively pursuing all leads available. Deciding to work together, they embark upon their investigation using their own clues to determine who may have perpetrated the crimes. With their searching, however, they become more and more suspicious that it could be one of them. Caught between justice and loyalty, each of the four must question what they know and what they want to believe.
This is an intriguing mystery that gives readers an insight into the very real issue of Missing and Murdered Women (and girls and Two-Spirited people). It presents both the hope and cynicism many within the Blackfeet community feel about working with law enforcement as well as the loyalty, love and community that is the strength of their survival. The novel delves into how the four young people strive against the elements seeming set against them as they attempt to embrace their sense of responsibility, leadership and commitment in connection to family and to those who are victims within their community. Cobell also showcases the heartbreak of each of the four protagonists and their struggles for survival be that material or spiritual, which could be considered the driving theme of the story. How do young people survive in the face of overwhelming material experiences and psychological tendencies toward self-destruction? The book further compels the reader to acknowledge the dual crises of abuse and invisibility that many indigenous peoples feel both historically and currently.
Finally, the book creates opportunities for readers to consider how we all might begin the hard work of seeing those who have been rendered invisible and working against a society that seems so intent upon rendering so many with less validity and dignity.–Recommended by Holly Johnson, Emeritus Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Title: Looking for Smoke
Author: K.A. Cobell
ISBN: 9780063318670
PubDate: June 4, 2024
Publisher: Heartdrum
Each month a committee of Worlds of Words advisors recommends a book published within the last year. Our hope is to spark conversations on our website and on social media about the book that expand global understandings and perceptions. Please join us by leaving a comment. You can also share your thoughts with us by using the hashtag #WOWRecommends on social media.
- Themes: Holly Johnson, K.A. Cobell, Looking for Smoke
- Descriptors: WOW Recommends