Riding the Trail of Tears

by Blake M. Hausman

Sherman Alexie meets William Gibson. Louise Erdrich meets Franz Kafka. Leslie Marmon Silko meets Philip K. Dick. However you might want to put it, this is Native American fiction in a whole new world. A surrealistic revisiting of the Cherokee Removal, Riding the Trail of Tears takes us to north Georgia in the near future, into a virtual-reality tourist compound where customers ride the Trail of Tears, and into the world of Tallulah Wilson, a Cherokee woman who works there. When several tourists lose consciousness inside the ride, employees and customers at the compound come to believe, naturally, that a terrorist attack is imminent.

 Little does Tallulah know that Cherokee Little People have taken up residence in the virtual world and fully intend to change the ride’s programming to suit their own point of view. Told by a narrator who knows all but can hardly be trusted, in a story reflecting generations of experience while recalling the events in a single day of Tallulah’s life, this funny and poignant tale revises American history even as it offers a new way of thinking, both virtual and very real, about the past for both Native Americans and their Anglo counterparts.

Genres: Science Fiction, Indigenous, Fiction, Native American, Speculative Fiction, Magical Realism, Horror

370 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the premise is great. I was disappointed in the execution.

The narrative conceit -- that the story is being told to us by one of the Cherokee Little People -- does not influence the telling of the story much beyond the introductory chapter, and at the conclusion. The perspective of this narrator disappears once it starts telling us the story of Tallulah Wilson and her very bad no good terrible day in the virtual reality Trail of Tears. It would know things she does not, but this potential dramatic irony has little influence on the telling of the story.

The novel has two protagonists -- the primary one is Tallulah (the tour guide), the secondary one is Irma Rosenburg (a tourist). Ultimately they have little ability to influence the course of events; their actions that influence the plot are rare and unintentional. They are mostly along for the ride, and they do not understand much of what is happening on that ride. This means the reader does not understand it either.

Why so much discussion of the virtual food being fed to the virtual Cherokees who are escaping the virtual Trail of Tears? Isn't there something more compelling to imagine?

[Lukas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very conflicted with this novel. I was fascinated with what the novel was concerned with and hungered what was going to happen next in this digital world. Sadly, in my contemporary American literature course, my professor ended the novel in the middle because she believed the narrative loses it's power further in the book. I did think this statement was kind of irresponsible because I believe we must study texts as a whole...but after finishing the book, I wish the book did end where my course ended. I loved what was happening in the book. It was amazing. It was wonderful. I absolutely loved the ideas and concepts that the text had. I was happy to write my final essay analyzing the text's treatment of history. However, the book totally loses this power as it gets more absurd. That's my opinion, and I love postmodernism, but I just did not like where the novel was going. I do recommend people to read this text, but I might have to say abandon the text when the narration starts to abandon the readers. I give it four stars because I feel like my bias was influenced. It is a fantastic book. I just wanted it do more.

[josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell if it was profound or complete nonsense.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers beware, this book leaves you with plot questions and sensibility questions. The read was great, really fast and interesting, but not clearly satisfying. But after digesting this novel (which had me thinking for hours after I finished the last page) I realized that Hausman created a plot that doesn't add up on purpose to make the readers ask questions.
Hopefully that's not too vague but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
Hausman wants readers to see the Trail of Tears through the eyes of those who were harmed, but he knows it will be difficult for us as readers. He wants it to be difficult.

[elleki · Rating 2 out of 5]

one of the most bizarre books ever. some of the descriptions of the women in the book and their bodies were definitely a bit uncomfortable.

[Michael]

Two brief thoughts about reading this book: 1) How, since elementary school, have we been taught certain "facts" of history that we ourselves have not seen nor have our teachers or their teachers seen and that we are just continuing the narrative of things, prejudices, know-hows that are seemingly built-in to a culture and that are truly false? As Hausman describes this, "We as a culture, as a big American multi-culture, have been taught bad ways of looking. We're not quite sure how to see sometimes what's right in front of us." Tallulah as a character must listen to a bear's speaking and at that point of her tale, breaks into tears. 2) Reading Tom Sawyer, according to Blake Hausman, creates a legacy of character that continues to haunt us. Put in the form of a question, how does a character from our childhood such as "Indian Joe" haunt us? This book explores such questions and such hauntings.

[Elsa Klingensmith-Parnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning, but then hit a wall about 2/3 of the way through for some reason. I wanted something different from the last third of the novel, I think. It's definitely worth a read, and I might update this review later as my thoughts settle.

[Dulguun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, and taking a virtual Ride on the Trail of Tears. The book engaged me in an interesting story, and gave me good insight to the history of the Trail of Tears in a completely new way, nothing like ever before. As the story takes place in virtual-reality, we enter a machine that takes us to 1838 and give us a chance to experience the Trail of Tears the way it happened then, only digitally. It is an adventurous ride, made even more stimulating by technical problems and by the sudden appearance of Nunnehi people. In addition, we are also presented with the protagonist Tallulah Wilson's personal struggle, the reoccurring strange dreams, and her love and anger for her dead father.

There are many great similes. I feel that the author's really passionate about the subject, and highly knowledgeable in it. The story is also made very entertaining with just the right amount of humor. After I first read the book, I was a little confused in the end. I knew I missed something. I realized I didn't pay much attention to the Nunnerator's words in the first chapter, so I then read the first chapter again. Then it all became clear.

I understand there may be some resistance to this story. There is always resistance to new things, new concepts, no matter. And I admire the author for taking a great risk and challenging readers through his new concept. I mean, we are living in a highly computerized world. Technology, electronics, internet play a heavy role in our daily lives. I wouldn't really be surprised if a machine like in this book actually launches in the next decade or two.

With that said, I highly recommend everyone to take a ride on the Trail of Tears, if you are not afraid :)) Just have an open-mind to experience this unique ride.

[sousaphone · Rating 2 out of 5]

As others have said, I really liked the idea of this book and the themes it explored. However, I found the executing rather lacking, especially as the book approaches the mid-point book. I don't mind stories to leave some things up to interpretation, but I felt like the author introduced a bunch of concepts and didn't give us the tools to understand them on our own.

I wish I could rate this higher but the promise of the novel was not fulfilled for me.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels like it's been a while since I read a book that I felt compelled to immediately google for reviews and discussions about WTF was going on -- for that reason alone, I'm inclined to be generous with this review. I did find the chapters with Irma and the Chef both tedious and bewildering, with Irma explicitly asking all sorts of questions that the Misfits answered in circles and non-sequiturs -- very frustrating and I really struggled to find the point. That, and all the focus on food. I can't connect all the dots there. However, I appreciate a book that's intended to be read on a metaphorical/ metanarrative level while the literal sense of it feels a bit of a mess; what rubs a reader the wrong way is often the point, and I trust that each aspect is intentional in some way.

What this book says about history through Tallulah's experience with TREPP -- who consumes it, how people engage with it, who gets to shape the story and how it becomes packaged for a particular audience, what it takes to change a narrative even when it's one that ostensibly should center you -- kind of blew my mind though. The unreality of the past to a consumer and the all too real way it traps the subject -- the way history is real in that it happened and it affects people today, while it is also doesn't tangibly exist anymore as the current reality -- the struggle Tallulah has between being an active part of the narrative and having to relive the horrors of her people's past, between how history is presented to others, while essentially becoming a consumable product herself accommodating tourists through the horrors of her people's past... I know this book will linger with me.

[Gavin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting premise but I felt it was held back by the authors own biases. As others have pointed out, there’s a constant oversexualization of women, including the protagonist Tallulah. The author makes a point of emphasizing that Cherokee is a traditionally matriarchal society however never actually gives the female characters agency within the plot. Tallulah monlogues that men can never make decisions without women but the plot goes on to have men make every single decision.
Also of note, Irma undergoes a white savior narrative and this is never engaged with in the text. I kept expecting Something to happen that would bring up the fact a white woman is a savior for the digital Natives. But nothing ever did. The plot of escaping the digital narrative never went anywhere. It just ended without any real explanation.
The whole book felt a couple drafts away from being finished. None of the conclusions were fully developed and no real ending happened. They just. left the simulation. And Tallulah went home and had sex for 3 pages. The narrator never returned after the first chapter, the digital Natives never had their background/journey explored. And the human characters never experienced any form of character development.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my English Multicultural literature class.
Tallulah was an interesting narrator, but very unreliable because she lied so much. I liked reading about the Athenians and all the uga references because it was so relatable. Reading about the Misfits and Irma was confusing because I couldn’t figure out where they were and what kind of dimension it was. I was also confused by Tallaluh’s statement at the end of the book and whether that meant she was in trouble or not. The term “holed-up” is used a lot in this story and it actually happened to Nell Johnson, so I wonder if she ends up being okay or not.
Overall, this was an interesting book and it taught me to know my history better and the history of Native Americans better as well.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say 3 and a half stars... I really loved the premise of the book. And told people about it while I was reading. Sadly, the way it began and ended lowered my rating dramatically. There was so much potential and I don't think it was realized. At times, I felt like I was sort of reliving reading Whitehead's "Underground Railroad" and combined it with a Westworld kind of vibe and futurism... it really could have gone far with that. It didn't. It lost me when Tallulah came back to the center from the ride.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for class. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book which came as a little surprise to me as often I don’t find as much enjoyment with books I’ve had assigned to me! The plot was interesting and I loved the concept. Reminded me of West World and Black Mirror — both of which are shows I enjoyed. Also, the characters were interesting to follow along with. I wasn’t able to finish the final 100 or so pages of the book.

[Sal Kimmich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite read of the year so far, and one of the few that I'll read again, it's got so much detail in the plots it carries. Vibrant stories, and I enjoyed that it's got a lot of old ones wrapped up in modern telling. This is great futurism. This is great indigenous futurism. It sets out rules and breaks them in ways that make it a great read to the very last page.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin with this book. It's like nothing I've read before. The trail of tears has a VR roueiat ride is crazy ro begin with. Add in indigenous gods, Cherokee history. Neo like program hacking, trauma recovery, a chef, a qiers spirit vision. If your looking for something new and different that is well written with interesting characters pick this up.

[Nova Terata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved all of the indignant stuff (inside joke) and local Georgia settings. I thought the prose was captivating and humorous. The ending was very jarring though and maybe I'm stupid, but so many things are left unresolved.

[Brittney Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unique dystopian novel, so much so that it was very refreshing. Admittedly, I’m not 100% what happened for most of it—I think there was a bit too much fluff and repetitive description/dialogue that the central theme became overlooked. But still, what a fascinating and important concept!

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trapped on a virtual reality ride just like the characters in the book. AAARRRGGG - this book is a mess.

[Dan Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to concur with many of the other reviews. This book starts out strong and ends in a confusing disappointment. And it doesn't disappoint in just one way; it disappoints in multiple ways.

[kaitlin]

Read for class

[Charles Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went back and forth between 3 and 4. Good parts pulls it up

[Melissa Walcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class:

The idea of this novel and story is so unique and a little troublesome when analyzed but the story itself was enjoyable and very easy to get into. I think this book gives readers access to an event so far removed from our reality and provides understanding that we did not obtain from public education. The beginning of this book was tonight to adapt to and there were storylines that were frustrating to read but the novel overall was enjoyable and educational. I did find the ending lacking but it is a reflection of the true history of these people.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

OBSESSED!!! Honestly probably my favorite novel ever now. The slipstream and narrative techniques are interesting and challenge the reader to consider time as another social construct. This novel speaks back (directly, forcefully) to the dominate white narrative of history. I need more fiction with this nonlinear, oral story telling narrative. Seriously. So good. Read if you like nonlinear, “strange” storytelling - if you like traditional (white male) fiction - stay away, it will confuse you.

[Jules Vilmur · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I really did. The premise was great, the plot was unique and the possibilities endless. But if by the end of the third chapter, the narrator has to tell you "This is where things get interesting." well that's a bad sign. And even then, by george, they'd better get interesting immediately. I lasted as long as I could, (to page 117) about a third of the way through, at which point I figured that maybe it was me, but we just weren't connecting. That said, I would much rather read an actual anthropological history of the Trail of Tears (even from Hausman, who certainly has the expertise) than one veiled thinly by a plot that the writer basically ignores or doesn't really know what to do with.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of this book, but it didn't totally cohere for me. The book takes place mostly in a digital re-enactment of the Trail of Tears, where tourists can virtually plug in to the body of a Cherokee person forced to leave their home. Hausman has a lot of ideas going on about the modern resonances of painful history, connection to ancestors, and literal ghosts in the machine. The story is deliberately ambiguous and there is no clear sense of resolution or even how it all fits together. For me, this was a bit frustrating and and I needed more clarity, but it's definitely an interesting and ambitious novel, especially for those interested in post-modernism.

[Lou Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

All right Mr. Hausman, I know that this was your very first novel, but in the way of stories, you need to know how to feed your reader. The plot was interesting, and confusing enough to make me continue reading just to figure out what the heck was going on.

But then you never finished it.

Come on, can't we get a decent explanation because there WASN'T ONE!

Get back to me when there is an ending.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to disappear inside of and come out on the other side a different person. It's creative, hilarious, and thoughtful. Somewhere in the world there's a basket of adjectives meant for it. Excellent stuff.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. I can't wait to teach and write about this one.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to say very strange concept!!