Not Far Away: The Real-life Adventures of Ima Pipiig

by Lois Beardslee

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.

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Carrie Cantalupo-Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. However, it is brutal and enlightening and offensive at times. I could only read one chapter a day. There’s so much to absorb. It really highlights how ignorance I am about racial differences. I have so much to learn.