Flight

More about the book

Sherman Alexie, a master storyteller, presents a poignant and humorous narrative in his first novel in a decade, focusing on an orphaned Indian boy's quest for identity. The tale follows a troubled foster teenager, who struggles with his status as a "non-legal" Indian due to his father's absence. As he contemplates committing a violent act, he is unexpectedly transported through time, beginning with the civil rights era as an FBI agent, where he witnesses the harsh realities of racism in Red River, Idaho. This journey continues as he inhabits the body of an Indian child at the Battle of Little Bighorn and later as a 19th-century Indian tracker, ultimately landing in the present as an airline pilot. Throughout these experiences, he grapples with profound questions about humanity, reflected in his repeated thoughts: "Who's to judge?" and "I don't understand humans." By the end of his transformative journey, he returns to his own life, deeply changed by his encounters. Alexie's narrative is both heart-wrenching and humorous, exploring the roots of human hatred while showcasing his unique voice. Time Out describes this work as a modern-day vision quest, highlighting Alexie's fearless and groundbreaking storytelling.