53 pages • 1 hour read
Tommy OrangeWandering Stars: A Novel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Wandering Stars traces the lives of multiple generations of an Indigenous American family, beginning with Jude Star who survives the Sand Creek Massacre and faces imprisonment and substance use disorder. The narrative follows his descendants, including Charles, Opal, Jacquie, and her grandsons Orvil, Loother, and Lony, as they grapple with their fraught identities and generational trauma, while exploring how art and storytelling can transform their lives. The book includes references to genocide, forced assimilation, racially motivated violence, suicide, and substance use disorder.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange highlight its masterful storytelling, rich character development, and powerful social commentary which resonate with readers. However, some critics mention a complex narrative structure that may confuse less attentive readers. Overall, the novel is praised for its emotional depth and cultural authenticity, cementing Orange's literary prowess.
Who Should Read Wandering Stars?
A reader who would enjoy Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange is likely drawn to contemporary Indigenous voices, richly woven narratives, and complex characters. They may appreciate the interwoven storytelling style found in There There by Tommy Orange and the poignant human connections central to The Round House by Louise Erdrich.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Values/Ideas: Literature
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Addiction / Substance Abuse
History: World