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Big Chief
There There meets The Night Watchman in this gripping literary debut about power and corruption, family, and facing the ghosts of the past.
Mitch Caddo, a young law school graduate and aspiring political fixer, is an outsider in the homeland of his Anishinaabe ancestors. But alongside his childhood friend, Tribal President Mack Beck, he runs the government of the Passage Rouge Nation, and with it, the tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino and Hotel. On the eve of Mack’s reelection, their tenuous grip on power is threatened by a nationally known activist and politician, Gloria Hawkins, and her young aide, Layla Beck, none other than Mack’s estranged sister and Mitch’s former love. In their struggle for control over Passage Rouge, the campaigns resort to bare-knuckle political gamesmanship, testing the limits of how far they will go—and what they will sacrifice—to win it all.
But when an accident claims the life of Mitch’s mentor, a power broker in the reservation’s political scene, the election slides into chaos and pits Mitch against the only family he has. As relationships strain to their breaking points and a peaceful protest threatens to become an all-consuming riot, Mitch and Layla must work together to stop the reservation’s descent into violence.
Thrilling and timely, Big Chief is an unforgettable story about the search for belonging—to an ancestral and spiritual home, to a family, and to a sovereign people at a moment of great historical importance.
Mitch Caddo, a young law school graduate and aspiring political fixer, is an outsider in the homeland of his Anishinaabe ancestors. But alongside his childhood friend, Tribal President Mack Beck, he runs the government of the Passage Rouge Nation, and with it, the tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino and Hotel. On the eve of Mack’s reelection, their tenuous grip on power is threatened by a nationally known activist and politician, Gloria Hawkins, and her young aide, Layla Beck, none other than Mack’s estranged sister and Mitch’s former love. In their struggle for control over Passage Rouge, the campaigns resort to bare-knuckle political gamesmanship, testing the limits of how far they will go—and what they will sacrifice—to win it all.
But when an accident claims the life of Mitch’s mentor, a power broker in the reservation’s political scene, the election slides into chaos and pits Mitch against the only family he has. As relationships strain to their breaking points and a peaceful protest threatens to become an all-consuming riot, Mitch and Layla must work together to stop the reservation’s descent into violence.
Thrilling and timely, Big Chief is an unforgettable story about the search for belonging—to an ancestral and spiritual home, to a family, and to a sovereign people at a moment of great historical importance.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2025
189 people are currently reading
14257 people want to read
About the author
Jon Hickey
1 book84 followersJon Hickey is a writer from Minnesota. He earned an MFA from Cornell University and was a Stegner Fellow in fiction at Stanford University. His short stories have appeared in numerous journals such as Virginia Quarterly Review, Gulf Coast, and the Massachusetts Review, among other places.
He is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa Indians (Anishinaabe). He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two sons.
He is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa Indians (Anishinaabe). He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
April 13, 2025
What a beautiful and remarkable debut!
Big Chief is a completely engrossing story that gives a behind-the-scenes look at tribal life.
Filled with dimensional, complex, and even unlikeable characters who make the story much more interesting.
The book is an exploration of Indigenous identity and authenticity, abuse of power, and who makes the decisions in small communities. The events in the story seem metaphoric of what's happening in the US’s current political climate of corruption and greed.
We definitely need more books by indigenous authors and I loved the representation in this book. Big Chief is a deeply profound and unforgettable story. I found myself thinking about it long after finishing it. I see a bright future for Jon Hockey in the literary world and I immediately put him on my list of auto-read authors.
Big Chief will be one of my favorite books of the year and I highly recommend it!
Big Chief by Jon Hickey was published on April 8 so it’s available now. Many thanks to Simon Books for the gifted copy!
Big Chief is a completely engrossing story that gives a behind-the-scenes look at tribal life.
Filled with dimensional, complex, and even unlikeable characters who make the story much more interesting.
The book is an exploration of Indigenous identity and authenticity, abuse of power, and who makes the decisions in small communities. The events in the story seem metaphoric of what's happening in the US’s current political climate of corruption and greed.
We definitely need more books by indigenous authors and I loved the representation in this book. Big Chief is a deeply profound and unforgettable story. I found myself thinking about it long after finishing it. I see a bright future for Jon Hockey in the literary world and I immediately put him on my list of auto-read authors.
Big Chief will be one of my favorite books of the year and I highly recommend it!
Big Chief by Jon Hickey was published on April 8 so it’s available now. Many thanks to Simon Books for the gifted copy!
November 28, 2025
One of Electric Literature’s Best Novels of 2025!
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
The Publisher Says: There There meets The Night Watchman in this gripping literary debut about power and corruption, family, and facing the ghosts of the past.
Mitch Caddo, a young law school graduate and aspiring political fixer, is an outsider in the homeland of his Anishinaabe ancestors. But alongside his childhood friend, Tribal President Mack Beck, he runs the government of the Passage Rouge Nation, and with it, the tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino and Hotel. On the eve of Mack’s reelection, their tenuous grip on power is threatened by a nationally known activist and politician, Gloria Hawkins, and her young aide, Layla Beck, none other than Mack’s estranged sister and Mitch’s former love. In their struggle for control over Passage Rouge, the campaigns resort to bare-knuckle political gamesmanship, testing the limits of how far they will go—and what they will sacrifice—to win it all.
But when an accident claims the life of Mitch’s mentor, a power broker in the reservation’s political scene, the election slides into chaos and pits Mitch against the only family he has. As relationships strain to their breaking points and a peaceful protest threatens to become an all-consuming riot, Mitch and Layla must work together to stop the reservation’s descent into violence.
Thrilling and timely, Big Chief is an unforgettable story about the search for belonging—to an ancestral and spiritual home, to a family, and to a sovereign people at a moment of great historical importance.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I Pearl-Ruled There There. I almost Pearl-Ruled this book. The reason I didn't, in spite of the irksome meandering of the plot, is that I liked Mitch and didn't like the coruscating cloud of people in Orange's book. I think there's a deeper...difference...in these stories than I am accustomed to. The characters in Tommy Orange's novel never felt distinctive or differentiated as I read that first segment. Hickey's characters, Mitch in particular, were more fleshed out, which allowed me to get into the twisty story. But both novels share a similarly alienating absence of interest in building tension for all they're both stories about identity-forming in the crucible of interpersonal conflict.
I am all over stories of power addicts misusing their hits of the drug. It feels evergreen and timely at the same moment of storytelling..."this could be 1888, 1988, 2008, and I'd be in the same rooms among the same people" says my headliner note...so I'm better able to get past the messy, not-obvious-why-they're-happening PoV shifts. I was sometimes a little fuddled about Mack's hold over Mitch, a lawyer who's cynical yet still young enough to believe the law has force of its own. Mack has no such illusions (nor does his political opponent Gloria) so he's, um, pragmatic and elozable. Mitch? Not sure if he's willfully blind to Mack's, um, character traits or simply prefers him to other political animals because Mack's familiar to Mitch. Mitch uses his lawyerly (though not legal) skills to fix events in Mack's favor but he's not crossing his personal ethical boundaries.
I felt immersed in the Passage Rouge Nation. I felt I understood why people love the place. I was on board for the ways and means Mack adopted to effect change, so truly *got* how he lost his moral way. I mistrusted his political opponent/loudly activist Gloria. While believing she was at least half sincere in her desire to reform the world, I felt it was not so much it wouldn't line her pockets. My evil little inner cynic got a good outing among these people.
As to why there are not-quite four full stars, I never fully bought into the plot to retain power Mack set in motion, as it seemed out of proportion thus guaranteed to blow up and cause him worse problems. Mitch saw this, I think, as a failing but he and Mack want the same outcome and share so much history; now how much sense of self does he care to put on the line to achieve a goal? Mitch is a perpetual outsider, which I relate to deeply, as well as a carrier of nasty generational trauma. It was clear to me as I read past the point I nearly tapped out that Author Hickey gets something profound about Mitch. He is among the few who is capable of making his trauma into a source of power.
I think the real reason I found this story so powerfully involving all comes down to my sense of connection to Mitch. Yeah, I'd've liked less muddling through the plot's interesting intertwining strands; I might've enjoyed Mack more had he not possessed what felt like a convenient penchant for making own goals. In the end I allowed this debut novel its imperfections because I feel, and I hope, Author Hickey will be back on our shelves soon with an even more accomplished story for us.
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
The Publisher Says: There There meets The Night Watchman in this gripping literary debut about power and corruption, family, and facing the ghosts of the past.
Mitch Caddo, a young law school graduate and aspiring political fixer, is an outsider in the homeland of his Anishinaabe ancestors. But alongside his childhood friend, Tribal President Mack Beck, he runs the government of the Passage Rouge Nation, and with it, the tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino and Hotel. On the eve of Mack’s reelection, their tenuous grip on power is threatened by a nationally known activist and politician, Gloria Hawkins, and her young aide, Layla Beck, none other than Mack’s estranged sister and Mitch’s former love. In their struggle for control over Passage Rouge, the campaigns resort to bare-knuckle political gamesmanship, testing the limits of how far they will go—and what they will sacrifice—to win it all.
But when an accident claims the life of Mitch’s mentor, a power broker in the reservation’s political scene, the election slides into chaos and pits Mitch against the only family he has. As relationships strain to their breaking points and a peaceful protest threatens to become an all-consuming riot, Mitch and Layla must work together to stop the reservation’s descent into violence.
Thrilling and timely, Big Chief is an unforgettable story about the search for belonging—to an ancestral and spiritual home, to a family, and to a sovereign people at a moment of great historical importance.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I Pearl-Ruled There There. I almost Pearl-Ruled this book. The reason I didn't, in spite of the irksome meandering of the plot, is that I liked Mitch and didn't like the coruscating cloud of people in Orange's book. I think there's a deeper...difference...in these stories than I am accustomed to. The characters in Tommy Orange's novel never felt distinctive or differentiated as I read that first segment. Hickey's characters, Mitch in particular, were more fleshed out, which allowed me to get into the twisty story. But both novels share a similarly alienating absence of interest in building tension for all they're both stories about identity-forming in the crucible of interpersonal conflict.
I am all over stories of power addicts misusing their hits of the drug. It feels evergreen and timely at the same moment of storytelling..."this could be 1888, 1988, 2008, and I'd be in the same rooms among the same people" says my headliner note...so I'm better able to get past the messy, not-obvious-why-they're-happening PoV shifts. I was sometimes a little fuddled about Mack's hold over Mitch, a lawyer who's cynical yet still young enough to believe the law has force of its own. Mack has no such illusions (nor does his political opponent Gloria) so he's, um, pragmatic and elozable. Mitch? Not sure if he's willfully blind to Mack's, um, character traits or simply prefers him to other political animals because Mack's familiar to Mitch. Mitch uses his lawyerly (though not legal) skills to fix events in Mack's favor but he's not crossing his personal ethical boundaries.
I felt immersed in the Passage Rouge Nation. I felt I understood why people love the place. I was on board for the ways and means Mack adopted to effect change, so truly *got* how he lost his moral way. I mistrusted his political opponent/loudly activist Gloria. While believing she was at least half sincere in her desire to reform the world, I felt it was not so much it wouldn't line her pockets. My evil little inner cynic got a good outing among these people.
As to why there are not-quite four full stars, I never fully bought into the plot to retain power Mack set in motion, as it seemed out of proportion thus guaranteed to blow up and cause him worse problems. Mitch saw this, I think, as a failing but he and Mack want the same outcome and share so much history; now how much sense of self does he care to put on the line to achieve a goal? Mitch is a perpetual outsider, which I relate to deeply, as well as a carrier of nasty generational trauma. It was clear to me as I read past the point I nearly tapped out that Author Hickey gets something profound about Mitch. He is among the few who is capable of making his trauma into a source of power.
I think the real reason I found this story so powerfully involving all comes down to my sense of connection to Mitch. Yeah, I'd've liked less muddling through the plot's interesting intertwining strands; I might've enjoyed Mack more had he not possessed what felt like a convenient penchant for making own goals. In the end I allowed this debut novel its imperfections because I feel, and I hope, Author Hickey will be back on our shelves soon with an even more accomplished story for us.
October 3, 2025
I’d like a million copies of this book to just hand out to people on the street
April 23, 2025
You’re Disenrolled
The Passage Rouge Indian reservation in Wisconsin is holding an election in a few days. The narrator, Mitch Caddo, is the campaign manager for Tribal President Mack Beck and also the brains behind his administration. Mack is facing a strong challenge from Gloria Hawkins, a well-known "Indian county celebrity." As the election nears, Mack resorts to some unscrupulous tactics, putting Mitch in a moral dilemma.
Mack and Mitch have been tight since childhood and they each have strengths that complement the other. Mitch describes Mack as ceremonial and focused on appearances, “He is the look,” while Mitch sees himself as the one with substance. Mack is seen as a true fixture on the reservation, whereas Mitch left to earn a law degree from Cornell. Mack is seen as authentic, while Mitch has been called a "J. Crew Indian," implying that he is a preppy and assimilated version of a Native American, one poised to drift away in time.
Early on we see that Mitch is no saint, either. Guilt and a sense of fair play do not prevent him from using bogus Facebook accounts to anonymously question Gloria’s bloodlines and tribal enrollment status. Just planting these seeds of doubt regarding her identity could sway a few dozen votes.
The Tribal Council has the power to banish, to “disenroll” individuals from the reservation, such as criminals and drug dealers. On the eve of the election, Mack leverages his influence over the council to banish Gloria's primary financier, Joe Beck. He sees this action eliminating Gloria's influence from the reservation.
The novel's story takes place in a tight-knit community with approximately 5,000 people. The close relationships between characters, such as Joe Beck who mentored Mitch and adopted Mack and Layla, add complexity and intensity to the plot. The suspense is further heightened by the romantic history between Layla and Mitch, which remains unresolved. Despite the intricate web of relationships, they are clearly defined and contribute to the overall tension of the narrative.
So, there is romance, political corruption, riots, and a plot-changing tragic death all within a tight six-day window, with the election providing a deadline to the plot. Even with flashbacks, things move at a brisk pace. Most of the characters are pretty well-defined. Mack, in particular, is striking in his audacity. He just believes he can rise above the consequences his actions are going to result in… or that Mitch will find a way to bail him out.
Mitch is the flaw here. He knows Mack is incompetent, he still backs him. He backs an unethical administration, one that even renders him disposable at one point. He knows he is not the man Joe hoped he would be and not the man Layla believed him to be. He is not even sure how “Indian” he is or should be. While Mitch cannot find his identity, the surrounding characters overshadow our narrator.
While the election circus frames “Big Chief,” the text explores the concept of identity. Can the candidate Gloria lay claim to reservation membership? Is Mitch a res Indian or that J. Crew Indian? The idea is challenged that blood quantum or council decisions can determine belonging and inclusion. We are looking at a community tearing itself apart.
“Big Chief” is a fascinating look at an aspect of reservation life I had never considered. This is a fictitious reservation and set of circumstances– and the less said about any reckless and ruthless politicians…
Thank you to Simon and Schuster, NetGalley, and Edelweiss Plus for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Passage Rouge Indian reservation in Wisconsin is holding an election in a few days. The narrator, Mitch Caddo, is the campaign manager for Tribal President Mack Beck and also the brains behind his administration. Mack is facing a strong challenge from Gloria Hawkins, a well-known "Indian county celebrity." As the election nears, Mack resorts to some unscrupulous tactics, putting Mitch in a moral dilemma.
Mack and Mitch have been tight since childhood and they each have strengths that complement the other. Mitch describes Mack as ceremonial and focused on appearances, “He is the look,” while Mitch sees himself as the one with substance. Mack is seen as a true fixture on the reservation, whereas Mitch left to earn a law degree from Cornell. Mack is seen as authentic, while Mitch has been called a "J. Crew Indian," implying that he is a preppy and assimilated version of a Native American, one poised to drift away in time.
Early on we see that Mitch is no saint, either. Guilt and a sense of fair play do not prevent him from using bogus Facebook accounts to anonymously question Gloria’s bloodlines and tribal enrollment status. Just planting these seeds of doubt regarding her identity could sway a few dozen votes.
The Tribal Council has the power to banish, to “disenroll” individuals from the reservation, such as criminals and drug dealers. On the eve of the election, Mack leverages his influence over the council to banish Gloria's primary financier, Joe Beck. He sees this action eliminating Gloria's influence from the reservation.
The novel's story takes place in a tight-knit community with approximately 5,000 people. The close relationships between characters, such as Joe Beck who mentored Mitch and adopted Mack and Layla, add complexity and intensity to the plot. The suspense is further heightened by the romantic history between Layla and Mitch, which remains unresolved. Despite the intricate web of relationships, they are clearly defined and contribute to the overall tension of the narrative.
So, there is romance, political corruption, riots, and a plot-changing tragic death all within a tight six-day window, with the election providing a deadline to the plot. Even with flashbacks, things move at a brisk pace. Most of the characters are pretty well-defined. Mack, in particular, is striking in his audacity. He just believes he can rise above the consequences his actions are going to result in… or that Mitch will find a way to bail him out.
Mitch is the flaw here. He knows Mack is incompetent, he still backs him. He backs an unethical administration, one that even renders him disposable at one point. He knows he is not the man Joe hoped he would be and not the man Layla believed him to be. He is not even sure how “Indian” he is or should be. While Mitch cannot find his identity, the surrounding characters overshadow our narrator.
While the election circus frames “Big Chief,” the text explores the concept of identity. Can the candidate Gloria lay claim to reservation membership? Is Mitch a res Indian or that J. Crew Indian? The idea is challenged that blood quantum or council decisions can determine belonging and inclusion. We are looking at a community tearing itself apart.
“Big Chief” is a fascinating look at an aspect of reservation life I had never considered. This is a fictitious reservation and set of circumstances– and the less said about any reckless and ruthless politicians…
Thank you to Simon and Schuster, NetGalley, and Edelweiss Plus for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2024
This book had so much potential with its themes of Native American politics, tribal pride, reuniting and defining family. There's love and conflict of loyalties and betrayal. It should've been great. But it was presented in a very meandering style with lots of flashbacks and side stories that detracted from an otherwise interesting main plot. I wish I liked it more.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. It releases April 8, 2025.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. It releases April 8, 2025.
October 31, 2024
After I finished the first chapter, I put it down to go to bed thinking "this could be the book of the year, it's funny, insightful, hits the right notes." And then I read on.
That initial voice was lost. It's a really windy story which gets quite bogged down. I got a ARC from Netgalley. It doesn't come out till next spring, would be nice if there was time in that for another edit. At it's root it's a really good story with a lot of soul but it gets so bogged down and the pacing is all off. If I had to read another description of the Big Chief... There needed one more edit to say focus less on the politics and main characters and more on the interactions with the tribe and others.
I wanted to like the narrator but he didn't really show his real cards much. I still have no clue why he became a politico past a quick comment, what he felt about the tribe and his relation to it, and so many other things. When I was in my 20s, I was a politco and I get you think it's the right thing to do but get disillusioned but he ignored all those things.
They say for ARCs you don't comment on typos, but in two chapters in a row, someone walks in, sits down, says something, and then walks in again. There were other continuity errors like this throughout. The whole thing just needed another edit before going to ARCs. And the names! Sometimes the family is called the Becks, sometimes the Plums. If the Plums is a nickname, it was never explained. After awhile I shrugged and figured I missed something.
He regains his voice at the end, the last chapter is kinda magical. I just wish he hadn't lost his way in between.
That initial voice was lost. It's a really windy story which gets quite bogged down. I got a ARC from Netgalley. It doesn't come out till next spring, would be nice if there was time in that for another edit. At it's root it's a really good story with a lot of soul but it gets so bogged down and the pacing is all off. If I had to read another description of the Big Chief... There needed one more edit to say focus less on the politics and main characters and more on the interactions with the tribe and others.
I wanted to like the narrator but he didn't really show his real cards much. I still have no clue why he became a politico past a quick comment, what he felt about the tribe and his relation to it, and so many other things. When I was in my 20s, I was a politco and I get you think it's the right thing to do but get disillusioned but he ignored all those things.
They say for ARCs you don't comment on typos, but in two chapters in a row, someone walks in, sits down, says something, and then walks in again. There were other continuity errors like this throughout. The whole thing just needed another edit before going to ARCs. And the names! Sometimes the family is called the Becks, sometimes the Plums. If the Plums is a nickname, it was never explained. After awhile I shrugged and figured I missed something.
He regains his voice at the end, the last chapter is kinda magical. I just wish he hadn't lost his way in between.
December 31, 2024
I was initially interested to read Big Chief by Jon Hickey because it’s described as There There meets The Night Watchman and I loved There There. This debut novel follows Mitch Caddo who works with Tribal President, Mack, on the Passage Rouge Nation and hoping for reelection. A tragic accident brings some secrets to light and Mitch has to deal with politics, the community and his family and friends. I feel like I just wanted a bit more from this story. It has all the elements but maybe lacking in execution. I’d still be interested to read his next book!
Thank you to the publisher for my ARC!
Thank you to the publisher for my ARC!
April 23, 2025
It is not on me to say how realistic the story is. For me, it was too much drama in the election storyline, contrasting oddly and unbalanced with the meandering inner monologues of the narrator. The different characters were despite lengthy descriptions unconvincing and didn’t seem to come to life. I am a bit saddened that I can’t bring myself to give more than 2.5 stars for a book dealing with so important topics.
June 26, 2025
Had a hard time getting invested in the stakes of this novel- something like that
November 12, 2024
First, thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I knew by the end of the first paragraph that I was in for a literary treat, and also that I would need to slow down my usual fast reading pace to really take in Hickey's verdant prose. He makes every word do its job. I loved it! Jon Hickey has already been added to my list of authors to read again.
In addition to the gorgeous prose, he tells an intriguing, although sometimes confusing, story. This one reflected our current world all too well at times-- political intrigue and dubious compromises made by good people for what they perceived at the time to be a good end... well, that's all too real and apparent now, isn't it?
Hickey's characters are well-developed and real to the point that I felt frustrated with them at times for not behaving as I'd hoped they might, but that's true to life, and in the end, while it may not be what we hoped for, there is hope for Mich's future. It was hard to connect to Mitch, who narrates the story, but I came to understand him and appreciate his position. It was interesting to get a peek into life on a reservation and all the complicated relationships with Tribal government, national, state and local authorities as well.
I will look for another book by this author. I have to say his wonderful prose probably made the next book I read a little less impressive. Hard to measure up to the standard he set!
In addition to the gorgeous prose, he tells an intriguing, although sometimes confusing, story. This one reflected our current world all too well at times-- political intrigue and dubious compromises made by good people for what they perceived at the time to be a good end... well, that's all too real and apparent now, isn't it?
Hickey's characters are well-developed and real to the point that I felt frustrated with them at times for not behaving as I'd hoped they might, but that's true to life, and in the end, while it may not be what we hoped for, there is hope for Mich's future. It was hard to connect to Mitch, who narrates the story, but I came to understand him and appreciate his position. It was interesting to get a peek into life on a reservation and all the complicated relationships with Tribal government, national, state and local authorities as well.
I will look for another book by this author. I have to say his wonderful prose probably made the next book I read a little less impressive. Hard to measure up to the standard he set!
March 8, 2025
3.5 stars
Set at a fictional Anishanaabe community in northern Wisconsin, Big Chief takes place over a few days in November leading up to a contentious election for Tribal President. The story is told from the perspective of young lawyer Mitch Caddo who works as a political fixer for Mack Beck who is the incumbent Tribal President of the Passage Rouge Nation which operates a profitable casino on their land. Beck is embroiled in a tight campaign for re-election against his challenger well-known activist Gloria Hawkins. Over the course of the tense campaign, allegations of corruption result in discord among residents of Passage Rouge and eventually violence with everything coming to a head on Election Day.
A strong literary debut and an interesting story of power and corruption, tribal politics and Indigenous sovereignty but also a story about belonging to family and to community. A great premise and I was really looking forward to this book but it fell a little short of my expectations as I never felt fully engaged with the story or the characters. Still a thought-provoking read that raises some interesting issues.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Set at a fictional Anishanaabe community in northern Wisconsin, Big Chief takes place over a few days in November leading up to a contentious election for Tribal President. The story is told from the perspective of young lawyer Mitch Caddo who works as a political fixer for Mack Beck who is the incumbent Tribal President of the Passage Rouge Nation which operates a profitable casino on their land. Beck is embroiled in a tight campaign for re-election against his challenger well-known activist Gloria Hawkins. Over the course of the tense campaign, allegations of corruption result in discord among residents of Passage Rouge and eventually violence with everything coming to a head on Election Day.
A strong literary debut and an interesting story of power and corruption, tribal politics and Indigenous sovereignty but also a story about belonging to family and to community. A great premise and I was really looking forward to this book but it fell a little short of my expectations as I never felt fully engaged with the story or the characters. Still a thought-provoking read that raises some interesting issues.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 31, 2025
I enjoyed this overall, loved that it took place in Wisconsin. The prose was lovely and characters felt like real people. This is a great debut, for me I just wanted it to push further in some areas, but really it's probably just that character driven novels don't always do it for me so this is largely personal taste. This was also a very character driven novel, a lot of inner community conflict during a short period of time, a slow build to a climax that for me just made it a bit slow, but I was listening to the audiobook which was excellent so that helped. I appreciated the commentary on identity, abuse of power, and the struggle for sovereignty while still confined within the corrupt US system.
April 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book because the subject matter is different than a lot of other books by Native American authors. This book is about conflicts over the politics of financial management of the Pueblo (or reservation) land transactions. The main character is involved in trying to win a political campaign and discovers fraud occurring in the purchase of a small island where the tribe ended up paying three times the appraisal value of the property. The book is really about morality and that white collar crime can occur within a small community by one of their own people. This book is the author’s debut novel and I look forward to his next book.
July 6, 2025
Enjoyed this work, very much felt like a re-telling / re-mix / reimagining of All The King’s Men set in a modern indigenous reservation. Political machinations and maneuvering, family issues, stilted romantic entanglements, the search for self identification and purpose, shifting power dynamics, and the struggles of self honesty.
Entertaining, if not ground breaking…somehow loses some steam in the final quarter of the book, even while the action ratchets up, but overall, a worthwhile read.
Entertaining, if not ground breaking…somehow loses some steam in the final quarter of the book, even while the action ratchets up, but overall, a worthwhile read.
October 25, 2025
I’d say this one was a 3.75 for me. I thought the writing itself was solid and this being a debut novel really makes me think the author is going to continue to grow and find success and I’d definitely read any future books. This was a pretty character driven book and though I enjoyed the characters and I felt it was engaging and complex, I think I just prefer books with a little more of a plot. This isn’t to say that there wasn’t a plot but o just felt it was a story involving characters and it’s really just their interactions between each other or at least between the main character as the story is told from his pov. Still enjoyed it but I’d like to see the author do more books with an expansive plot.
November 29, 2025
Will wait for bookclub for final review but why did the author use the word ursine so much — it was distractingly used so much. Also I felt there was so much I didn’t pick up that I felt like I should have.
Post book club 2.5 stars rounded up for the goodreads algorithm and for an interesting topic.
Post book club 2.5 stars rounded up for the goodreads algorithm and for an interesting topic.
June 21, 2025
The Passage Rouge reserve in Wisconsin is a week away from elections. Mitch Caddo, the campaign manager for Tribal President Mack Beck, is busy working to keep Mack in power against a strong challenger, Gloria Hawkins.
Mitch, trained as a lawyer, and raised by the Beck family after his mother's untimely death when he was a child, is deeply invested in the outcome of the election. Mitch is the brains behind Mack's political endeavours, with Mack working as the face. Because Mitch left to get his degree, while Mack stayed at home, people have accused Mitch of not being fully Indian.
Despite this, together Mack and Mitch have changed the reserve, ensuring there are regular handouts to the reserve members from its casino profits, and interestingly, a policy of disenrolling individuals who are drug dealers or other types of criminals. They have also not really tackled a number of serious issues that have existed for years, and Gloria Hawkins has positioned herself as the person to bring real change to the reserve.
Mitch knows that the tribal council and police are corrupt, and he knows that he is not the person his mother, or Joe Beck, would have wanted him to be.
Mitch has been using a variety of underhanded techniques to discredit Glora, including calling into question her indigenous identity, and on the eve of election, he and Mack banish Gloria's biggest financial backer, Joe Beck, who is Mach's and Layla's (Mack's younger sister and Mitch's former girlfriend) adopted father. And who has looked out for Mitch all his life.
Author Joe Hickey Gives us a look at the mesh of connections and desires that underpin the political maneuvering within this fictitious reserve; Hickey also gives us a main character who is a mess of loneliness and cynicism. He does not know where he fits in or who he is. His confusion over his identity permeates the whole book with a strong sense of wistfulness, frustration and sadness.
Though Mitch's manipulation of others was sometimes hard to watch, I still really enjoyed this book, with its interesting characters and messy politics.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Mitch, trained as a lawyer, and raised by the Beck family after his mother's untimely death when he was a child, is deeply invested in the outcome of the election. Mitch is the brains behind Mack's political endeavours, with Mack working as the face. Because Mitch left to get his degree, while Mack stayed at home, people have accused Mitch of not being fully Indian.
Despite this, together Mack and Mitch have changed the reserve, ensuring there are regular handouts to the reserve members from its casino profits, and interestingly, a policy of disenrolling individuals who are drug dealers or other types of criminals. They have also not really tackled a number of serious issues that have existed for years, and Gloria Hawkins has positioned herself as the person to bring real change to the reserve.
Mitch knows that the tribal council and police are corrupt, and he knows that he is not the person his mother, or Joe Beck, would have wanted him to be.
Mitch has been using a variety of underhanded techniques to discredit Glora, including calling into question her indigenous identity, and on the eve of election, he and Mack banish Gloria's biggest financial backer, Joe Beck, who is Mach's and Layla's (Mack's younger sister and Mitch's former girlfriend) adopted father. And who has looked out for Mitch all his life.
Author Joe Hickey Gives us a look at the mesh of connections and desires that underpin the political maneuvering within this fictitious reserve; Hickey also gives us a main character who is a mess of loneliness and cynicism. He does not know where he fits in or who he is. His confusion over his identity permeates the whole book with a strong sense of wistfulness, frustration and sadness.
Though Mitch's manipulation of others was sometimes hard to watch, I still really enjoyed this book, with its interesting characters and messy politics.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) for this ARC in exchange for my review.
June 27, 2025
I had the HARDEST time getting into this book. I’ve been working through this over a few weeks. I went from physical book, to ebook, to finally audio to just finish it. I don’t know if it was just my mood, but this novel felt so slow. The writing was well done, the plot just took forever to get going. Then it felt like at the end it rushed so much it was hard to keep up. Definitely had some pacing issues. The story was interesting once it finally got going.
August 15, 2025
This was surprising for me. As part of my library's summer reading challenge, patrons can take a card with a scratch-off dot on it that recommends your next read. My scratch-off said "western" and I groaned. However, this was suggested to me as a new western, and I really enjoyed it. Yes, it's a western, but it's also a thriller, and a good one at that. If you like thrillers, but you're tired of the formula thriller, give this one a read.
April 27, 2025
Jon Hickey's debut novel "Big Chief" delivers a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the high-stakes world of tribal politics. Through the eyes of protagonist Mitch Caddo, we navigate the tangled web of relationships, ambitions, and betrayals that define the fictional Passage Rouge Indian Reservation. This compelling narrative stands alongside works like Tommy Orange's "There There" and Louise Erdrich's "The Night Watchman," yet Hickey carves out his own distinct voice, bringing fresh perspective to Indigenous literature.
The Story: Politics, Power, and Personal Reckoning
Set in the fictional Passage Rouge Nation of Lake Superior Anishinaabe, "Big Chief" follows Mitch Caddo, a young tribal attorney who serves as operations director for the tribal government and right-hand man to Tribal President Mack Beck. As Mack faces a challenging reelection against Gloria Hawkins, a nationally known activist, the story spirals into increasingly desperate political machinations that test loyalties and moral boundaries.
When Joe Beck—Mack's adoptive father, the tribe's general counsel, and Mitch's mentor—dies in a plane crash after being threatened with banishment from the reservation, the political stakes escalate dramatically. The growing unrest culminates in a protest that erupts into violence at the tribe's Golden Eagle Casino, forcing Mitch to reckon with his complicity in the corruption he once justified as necessary tribal governance.
The Characters: Complex and Unforgettable
Hickey excels at creating multidimensional characters whose flaws and contradictions feel achingly human:
- Mitch Caddo – The novel's narrator, whose struggle with belonging makes him both sympathetic and frustrating. His "shiver"—a physical manifestation of anxiety and guilt—serves as a brilliant metaphorical thread throughout the narrative.
- Mack Beck – The tribal president whose charisma masks deep insecurities and resentments. His characterization as a man shaped by childhood trauma but ultimately corrupted by power is masterfully drawn.
- Layla Beck – Mack's estranged sister and Mitch's former love interest, whose reappearance forces both men to confront uncomfortable truths.
- Joe Beck – Though we meet him only briefly before his death, his presence haunts the novel, representing both the best intentions and problematic paternalism of white allies in Indian Country.
What distinguishes these characters is how they embody the central tension of the novel: the struggle between ancestral connection and modern political reality. Each character navigates this differently, making their interactions rich with subtext and unspoken history.
Themes: Identity, Belonging, and the Meaning of Home
At its heart, "Big Chief" explores what it means to belong—to a place, to a people, to a family. Mitch's status as an "outsider Indian" who grew up partly off-reservation creates a compelling lens through which to view reservation politics. His constant questioning of whether he truly belongs resonates throughout the narrative and likely will resonate with many readers regardless of their background.
The novel also grapples with the complexities of modern tribal governance, where traditional values often clash with political expediency. Hickey doesn't shy away from difficult questions:
- How do communities maintain sovereignty while addressing corruption?
- Who gets to determine who "belongs" to a tribe?
- What responsibilities do leaders have to their people?
These questions have no easy answers, and Hickey rightfully leaves many of them unresolved, reflecting the continuing struggles of Native communities.
The Writing: Sharp, Lyrical, and Authentic
Hickey's prose strikes a remarkable balance between sharp political commentary and lyrical reflection. The narrative voice is distinctly contemporary while honoring traditional storytelling elements. Consider this passage where Mitch reflects on his relationship with the land:
"My mother would always impress on me that no matter where we wandered on this earth (or at least in Wisconsin), Passage Rouge was the home of our ancestors. This place lived in my blood, she said. Passage Rouge would always be my home too. This may have been true for her, but I'd always suspected that for me, it would require some extra effort."
The dialogue crackles with tension and subtext, particularly in confrontations between Mitch and Mack or Mitch and Layla. Hickey demonstrates a keen ear for how people talk around issues rather than directly addressing them—a particularly apt reflection of reservation communication styles where history and relationships often remain unspoken but ever-present.
Strengths and Standout Elements
Several elements elevate "Big Chief" above typical political dramas:
1. The depiction of tribal politics is unflinching yet nuanced, avoiding both romanticism and cynicism.
2. The "shiver" that plagues Mitch serves as a brilliant physical manifestation of his spiritual and moral uncertainty.
3. The casino setting functions as both literal and metaphorical gambling—where fortunes are made and lost, where people put on masks, where the house always wins.
4. The winter landscape becomes almost a character itself, with the harshness of the environment reflecting the unforgiving nature of politics and personal choices.
5. The exploration of modern Indigenous identity feels authentic and complex, acknowledging both traditional values and contemporary challenges.
Areas for Growth
While "Big Chief" is an impressive debut, a few elements felt underdeveloped:
1. Some secondary characters like Gloria Hawkins remain somewhat enigmatic, functioning more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
2. The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during extended political maneuverings that don't always advance character development.
3. The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, leaves some political questions unanswered in ways that might frustrate readers looking for more concrete closure.
4. The complex web of relationships occasionally requires careful attention to keep straight, particularly in earlier chapters.
These minor criticisms, however, don't significantly detract from the novel's overall impact and may even be intentional reflections of the messy reality of reservation politics.
A Unique Perspective in Contemporary Fiction
What makes "Big Chief" particularly noteworthy is Hickey's willingness to portray the complexities of modern tribal governance without either idealizing or demonizing any perspective. The novel acknowledges corruption and power struggles while also honoring the deep cultural connections that bind communities together.
Hickey, himself a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, brings lived experience to his fiction, but the novel never feels didactic or like an "issues" book. Instead, the political and cultural realities serve the character-driven narrative, creating a story that feels both timely and timeless.
Final Verdict: A Remarkable Debut
"Big Chief" marks Jon Hickey as an important new voice in American literature. This gripping exploration of power, identity, and belonging offers readers both an engaging political thriller and a profound meditation on what it means to find—or create—a home.
The novel excels at portraying the tension between traditional values and modern political realities without offering simplistic solutions. Instead, it invites readers into the complex world of reservation politics through characters whose flaws and aspirations feel deeply human.
The Story: Politics, Power, and Personal Reckoning
Set in the fictional Passage Rouge Nation of Lake Superior Anishinaabe, "Big Chief" follows Mitch Caddo, a young tribal attorney who serves as operations director for the tribal government and right-hand man to Tribal President Mack Beck. As Mack faces a challenging reelection against Gloria Hawkins, a nationally known activist, the story spirals into increasingly desperate political machinations that test loyalties and moral boundaries.
When Joe Beck—Mack's adoptive father, the tribe's general counsel, and Mitch's mentor—dies in a plane crash after being threatened with banishment from the reservation, the political stakes escalate dramatically. The growing unrest culminates in a protest that erupts into violence at the tribe's Golden Eagle Casino, forcing Mitch to reckon with his complicity in the corruption he once justified as necessary tribal governance.
The Characters: Complex and Unforgettable
Hickey excels at creating multidimensional characters whose flaws and contradictions feel achingly human:
- Mitch Caddo – The novel's narrator, whose struggle with belonging makes him both sympathetic and frustrating. His "shiver"—a physical manifestation of anxiety and guilt—serves as a brilliant metaphorical thread throughout the narrative.
- Mack Beck – The tribal president whose charisma masks deep insecurities and resentments. His characterization as a man shaped by childhood trauma but ultimately corrupted by power is masterfully drawn.
- Layla Beck – Mack's estranged sister and Mitch's former love interest, whose reappearance forces both men to confront uncomfortable truths.
- Joe Beck – Though we meet him only briefly before his death, his presence haunts the novel, representing both the best intentions and problematic paternalism of white allies in Indian Country.
What distinguishes these characters is how they embody the central tension of the novel: the struggle between ancestral connection and modern political reality. Each character navigates this differently, making their interactions rich with subtext and unspoken history.
Themes: Identity, Belonging, and the Meaning of Home
At its heart, "Big Chief" explores what it means to belong—to a place, to a people, to a family. Mitch's status as an "outsider Indian" who grew up partly off-reservation creates a compelling lens through which to view reservation politics. His constant questioning of whether he truly belongs resonates throughout the narrative and likely will resonate with many readers regardless of their background.
The novel also grapples with the complexities of modern tribal governance, where traditional values often clash with political expediency. Hickey doesn't shy away from difficult questions:
- How do communities maintain sovereignty while addressing corruption?
- Who gets to determine who "belongs" to a tribe?
- What responsibilities do leaders have to their people?
These questions have no easy answers, and Hickey rightfully leaves many of them unresolved, reflecting the continuing struggles of Native communities.
The Writing: Sharp, Lyrical, and Authentic
Hickey's prose strikes a remarkable balance between sharp political commentary and lyrical reflection. The narrative voice is distinctly contemporary while honoring traditional storytelling elements. Consider this passage where Mitch reflects on his relationship with the land:
"My mother would always impress on me that no matter where we wandered on this earth (or at least in Wisconsin), Passage Rouge was the home of our ancestors. This place lived in my blood, she said. Passage Rouge would always be my home too. This may have been true for her, but I'd always suspected that for me, it would require some extra effort."
The dialogue crackles with tension and subtext, particularly in confrontations between Mitch and Mack or Mitch and Layla. Hickey demonstrates a keen ear for how people talk around issues rather than directly addressing them—a particularly apt reflection of reservation communication styles where history and relationships often remain unspoken but ever-present.
Strengths and Standout Elements
Several elements elevate "Big Chief" above typical political dramas:
1. The depiction of tribal politics is unflinching yet nuanced, avoiding both romanticism and cynicism.
2. The "shiver" that plagues Mitch serves as a brilliant physical manifestation of his spiritual and moral uncertainty.
3. The casino setting functions as both literal and metaphorical gambling—where fortunes are made and lost, where people put on masks, where the house always wins.
4. The winter landscape becomes almost a character itself, with the harshness of the environment reflecting the unforgiving nature of politics and personal choices.
5. The exploration of modern Indigenous identity feels authentic and complex, acknowledging both traditional values and contemporary challenges.
Areas for Growth
While "Big Chief" is an impressive debut, a few elements felt underdeveloped:
1. Some secondary characters like Gloria Hawkins remain somewhat enigmatic, functioning more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
2. The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during extended political maneuverings that don't always advance character development.
3. The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, leaves some political questions unanswered in ways that might frustrate readers looking for more concrete closure.
4. The complex web of relationships occasionally requires careful attention to keep straight, particularly in earlier chapters.
These minor criticisms, however, don't significantly detract from the novel's overall impact and may even be intentional reflections of the messy reality of reservation politics.
A Unique Perspective in Contemporary Fiction
What makes "Big Chief" particularly noteworthy is Hickey's willingness to portray the complexities of modern tribal governance without either idealizing or demonizing any perspective. The novel acknowledges corruption and power struggles while also honoring the deep cultural connections that bind communities together.
Hickey, himself a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, brings lived experience to his fiction, but the novel never feels didactic or like an "issues" book. Instead, the political and cultural realities serve the character-driven narrative, creating a story that feels both timely and timeless.
Final Verdict: A Remarkable Debut
"Big Chief" marks Jon Hickey as an important new voice in American literature. This gripping exploration of power, identity, and belonging offers readers both an engaging political thriller and a profound meditation on what it means to find—or create—a home.
The novel excels at portraying the tension between traditional values and modern political realities without offering simplistic solutions. Instead, it invites readers into the complex world of reservation politics through characters whose flaws and aspirations feel deeply human.
December 23, 2025
This election is the last kick of a dying horse and in the end it's the crecsendo of complex familial conflicts, of sibling rivalry, childhood resentments, and wrestling with belonging not just individually.
Mitch Caddo is falling apart , riddled with guilt, regret and his inner descent into a self-chastizing loop is incredibly relatable. Throw in the moments where I thought - Wait, is Mitch the baddie here🤔. (Baddie evil, not baddie hot) And this was an interesting read). And at the end of it all, the more things change the more they stay the same on the Rez.
Anyway, I am also drawn to this writing style, kinda makes me rethink my omniscient narrator challenge for 2026, I'm not usually a fan of first person narrative but there have been some great gems.
Veering off track just a bit - now I want to go back and watch Reservation Dogs. this book reignited that interest in the life.
That Character: All of them. They're all variations of a mess
That scene: so many good ones
😢The Silhouette Ancestors being cleaned up by the Janitor scene.
📣Layla's last stand at the casino
😢 Mitch being left out in the snow to die
🐦⬛Waabzih Paulson the elder talking to Mishkigabo
Favorite /Unique Quotes:
🖤 He is a head taller than anyone else, which is probably not true but feels true (Big Mac and layers of calculated effect and aura)
🖤 "I’m horrified by what’s coming out of my mouth but powerless to stop it. “ (Meeting with Layla)
🖤 "It feels good, if only for a moment, to carry on like normal. But I’m uncomfortable with this closeness. We’re supposed to be fighting." (Mitch and Joe Beck)
Curious/Unique Concepts:
■ Spirit Fire and Ghost Dinners
■ Disenrollment and tribal banishment
■ The Shiver
■ Clans: Bear, Deer, Crane and more
Cover Cause I'm a Bird: oh yeah I didn't notice, I saw the title first.
Re-readability:
GR Rating: 3.5⭐rounded up
CAWPILE: 8
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2027
Challenge Prompt: 150 Literary Fiction Books by 2027
Mitch Caddo is falling apart , riddled with guilt, regret and his inner descent into a self-chastizing loop is incredibly relatable. Throw in the moments where I thought - Wait, is Mitch the baddie here🤔. (Baddie evil, not baddie hot) And this was an interesting read). And at the end of it all, the more things change the more they stay the same on the Rez.
Anyway, I am also drawn to this writing style, kinda makes me rethink my omniscient narrator challenge for 2026, I'm not usually a fan of first person narrative but there have been some great gems.
Veering off track just a bit - now I want to go back and watch Reservation Dogs. this book reignited that interest in the life.
That Character: All of them. They're all variations of a mess
That scene: so many good ones
😢The Silhouette Ancestors being cleaned up by the Janitor scene.
📣Layla's last stand at the casino
😢 Mitch being left out in the snow to die
🐦⬛Waabzih Paulson the elder talking to Mishkigabo
Favorite /Unique Quotes:
🖤 He is a head taller than anyone else, which is probably not true but feels true (Big Mac and layers of calculated effect and aura)
🖤 "I’m horrified by what’s coming out of my mouth but powerless to stop it. “ (Meeting with Layla)
🖤 "It feels good, if only for a moment, to carry on like normal. But I’m uncomfortable with this closeness. We’re supposed to be fighting." (Mitch and Joe Beck)
Curious/Unique Concepts:
■ Spirit Fire and Ghost Dinners
■ Disenrollment and tribal banishment
■ The Shiver
■ Clans: Bear, Deer, Crane and more
Cover Cause I'm a Bird: oh yeah I didn't notice, I saw the title first.
Re-readability:
GR Rating: 3.5⭐rounded up
CAWPILE: 8
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2027
Challenge Prompt: 150 Literary Fiction Books by 2027
November 22, 2025
I was somehow inclined to keep reading this so I will give it points for that. But did the plot lose me approximately 75% of the time? Absolutely.
August 26, 2025
Big Chief starts at a fascinating and complex situation: a main character with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, an impending election (our protagonist is working to defend the seat of the incumbent), and the politics of a tribe. There is a lot to work with, but I’m not sure that the novel successfully allows us to fully feel these dynamics, nor did it give me much reason to care about the main character’s stakes in the election. I think this has much to do with Mitch’s narration, which is quite plain, unstyled, and on the drab side. Not once did I feel like the writing was taking me to Mitch’s POV, it really did have the impression of telling rather than showing/empathizing.
This is apparent from the jumping back-and-forth at the beginning of the novel. We’re in campaign mode at the beginning, and Mitch tells us who he is, literally with the words “I’m Mitch Caddo”, followed by some context about what he does and the situation is in, before taking us back in time to fill in the backstory even more. It isn’t very graceful, and one might argue, well, why does it have to be; my issue is that Mitch at the beginning seems more concerned with relating facts and information rather than telling a story. He does have some character elements that explain this drabness: his law education, the fact that the current president is the face of the operation. But, is it fun to read? It’s the kind of bland exposition I’d expect from middling young adult fiction.
There’s certainly a lot of drama in Big Chief, but again, I feel as though the bland writing betrays any sense of emotion that might otherwise have been conveyed. Something surprising happens to one of the characters midway, and we’re meant to be emotionally shaken by it; it’s an exploration of the theme of not feeling Native American enough, but I’m not sure that Hickey planted that seed deeply enough for me to feel much of anything.
Big Chief is full of big ideas, big emotions, and deep community and family dynamics. I’m just not certain that Hickey was successful in balancing these elements of story and character, and the prose failed to support the impact that Hickey was perhaps trying to strike with.
This is apparent from the jumping back-and-forth at the beginning of the novel. We’re in campaign mode at the beginning, and Mitch tells us who he is, literally with the words “I’m Mitch Caddo”, followed by some context about what he does and the situation is in, before taking us back in time to fill in the backstory even more. It isn’t very graceful, and one might argue, well, why does it have to be; my issue is that Mitch at the beginning seems more concerned with relating facts and information rather than telling a story. He does have some character elements that explain this drabness: his law education, the fact that the current president is the face of the operation. But, is it fun to read? It’s the kind of bland exposition I’d expect from middling young adult fiction.
There’s certainly a lot of drama in Big Chief, but again, I feel as though the bland writing betrays any sense of emotion that might otherwise have been conveyed. Something surprising happens to one of the characters midway, and we’re meant to be emotionally shaken by it; it’s an exploration of the theme of not feeling Native American enough, but I’m not sure that Hickey planted that seed deeply enough for me to feel much of anything.
Big Chief is full of big ideas, big emotions, and deep community and family dynamics. I’m just not certain that Hickey was successful in balancing these elements of story and character, and the prose failed to support the impact that Hickey was perhaps trying to strike with.
April 3, 2025
Really 3.5.
A multilayered novel set on the Passage Rouge Nation (PRN) lands to address some concerning contemporary sociopolitical issues, including corruption, class conflicts, disenfranchisement, tribal membership, and greed. The novel takes place primarily during a long Thanksgiving weekend, right before tribal election day.
Mitch Caddo, half-Anishinaabe, spent most of his childhood on PRN lands in Wisconsin. After a short career in tribal family law, he now acts as the fixer for the current tribal president, Mack Beck. Just days away from the Tuesday election, Beck is worried he might lose to his opponent, so he and his team set in motion a scheme they hope will guarantee a victory. Caddo is, in turn, forced to figure out where his loyalties lie and how much he's willing to sacrifice in support of those loyalties.
The novel is complex and fast moving. You can't help but compare Caddo's experience with that of some of today's federal USA politicians. I liked the writing style and the good use of memory and flashback to provide prospective. This is a solid, recommended read. Note: This is an Own Voice novel (Hickey is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa Indians.)
The audiobook was performed by Shaun Taylor-Corbett. I can't judge his Anishinaabe pronunciations, but the flow and cadence of his delivery seemed believable. He did a great job conveying Caddo's feelings and personality. (Note: Taylor-Corbett is a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who traditionally spoke a language related to Anishinaabe.)
Thanks to SimonAudio for the review copy.
A multilayered novel set on the Passage Rouge Nation (PRN) lands to address some concerning contemporary sociopolitical issues, including corruption, class conflicts, disenfranchisement, tribal membership, and greed. The novel takes place primarily during a long Thanksgiving weekend, right before tribal election day.
Mitch Caddo, half-Anishinaabe, spent most of his childhood on PRN lands in Wisconsin. After a short career in tribal family law, he now acts as the fixer for the current tribal president, Mack Beck. Just days away from the Tuesday election, Beck is worried he might lose to his opponent, so he and his team set in motion a scheme they hope will guarantee a victory. Caddo is, in turn, forced to figure out where his loyalties lie and how much he's willing to sacrifice in support of those loyalties.
The novel is complex and fast moving. You can't help but compare Caddo's experience with that of some of today's federal USA politicians. I liked the writing style and the good use of memory and flashback to provide prospective. This is a solid, recommended read. Note: This is an Own Voice novel (Hickey is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa Indians.)
The audiobook was performed by Shaun Taylor-Corbett. I can't judge his Anishinaabe pronunciations, but the flow and cadence of his delivery seemed believable. He did a great job conveying Caddo's feelings and personality. (Note: Taylor-Corbett is a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who traditionally spoke a language related to Anishinaabe.)
Thanks to SimonAudio for the review copy.
April 16, 2025
Following his graduation from law school, Mitch Caddo returned to the Passage Rouge Nation in northern Wisconsin, where he works with his childhood friend and tribal president, Mack Beck. An upcoming election has intensified, with Mack facing a formidable opponent in Gloria Hawkins, whose campaign aide is Layla Beck—Mack's sister and Mitch's former lover. Rising tensions and the subsequent death of Mitch's mentor in a tragic accident further complicate matters, creating a conflict between Mitch and the family that took him in after he lost his mother.
I had really high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. It was a little too slow, and I had a really hard time getting into it. I enjoyed the Indigenous representation and thought the storyline was interesting, but it never fully grabbed my attention. It wasn't a bad book by any means, and I would definitely read this author again. Just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean you won't love it!
I had really high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. It was a little too slow, and I had a really hard time getting into it. I enjoyed the Indigenous representation and thought the storyline was interesting, but it never fully grabbed my attention. It wasn't a bad book by any means, and I would definitely read this author again. Just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean you won't love it!
April 15, 2025
"Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton
Big Chief is a twisty story about politics on "the Rez"... there is lots of corruption, overwhelming greed, and who has absolute control. As I read the story, the quote above echoed in my head.
The story focuses on a young lawyer, Mitch Caddo, and his struggles to feel like he "belongs" and the story is woven with his memories of growing up outside of the reservation and feeling a bit lost and not belonging anywhere. At the start of the story, it seems like he has picked the "wrong side" and he is happy to live with that... or is he.
The writing in this story was really so very good. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital copy of this book. It was published on April 8, 2025.
Big Chief is a twisty story about politics on "the Rez"... there is lots of corruption, overwhelming greed, and who has absolute control. As I read the story, the quote above echoed in my head.
The story focuses on a young lawyer, Mitch Caddo, and his struggles to feel like he "belongs" and the story is woven with his memories of growing up outside of the reservation and feeling a bit lost and not belonging anywhere. At the start of the story, it seems like he has picked the "wrong side" and he is happy to live with that... or is he.
The writing in this story was really so very good. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital copy of this book. It was published on April 8, 2025.
August 27, 2025
A political power struggle at an Anishanaabe reservation told through the perspective of the political fixer of the incumbent president. It was a novel about corruption, belonging, and the conflict between following one's moral compass and gaining power.
I felt the suspense build throughout the novel with vivid imagery. It took a while to build up, but once it was palpable, i was immersed. The characters were all flawed in their own ways but felt very realistic and multi-layered. I thought it was timely to read with the gritty political dissent featured throughout the novel. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this novel.
I felt the suspense build throughout the novel with vivid imagery. It took a while to build up, but once it was palpable, i was immersed. The characters were all flawed in their own ways but felt very realistic and multi-layered. I thought it was timely to read with the gritty political dissent featured throughout the novel. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this novel.
May 10, 2025
3.5
An interesting novel on the politics of a reservation, following the tribal chief before the election. It had lots of interesting themes - family, politics, tribal identity (and who gets to be enrolled and who doesn't), resentment and corruption... I found it really interesting but the pace was a bit slow and the action took a while to develop, with a lot of dialogue that didn't seem to bring a lot to the plot. I liked the characters and I thought their emotional lives were well described and easy to get into. Overall it was enjoyable but the slow pace put me off a bit.
Free ARC sent by Netgalley.
An interesting novel on the politics of a reservation, following the tribal chief before the election. It had lots of interesting themes - family, politics, tribal identity (and who gets to be enrolled and who doesn't), resentment and corruption... I found it really interesting but the pace was a bit slow and the action took a while to develop, with a lot of dialogue that didn't seem to bring a lot to the plot. I liked the characters and I thought their emotional lives were well described and easy to get into. Overall it was enjoyable but the slow pace put me off a bit.
Free ARC sent by Netgalley.
May 23, 2025
This started a little slow for me—the first 30 pages or so felt like a lot of our first-person POV character just telling us stuff—but once the characters started interacting and moving the plot forward it was a lot more engaging. There were moments where the story’s stitching felt a little uneven but I was always interested in what came next and enjoyed getting dropped into reservation politics in a way I had not experienced in a book before. A fun entry into the canon of Native American stories of individual and communal identity.
A solid debut. I’ll pay attention to what Hickey does next.
A solid debut. I’ll pay attention to what Hickey does next.
May 12, 2025
4 stars - I enjoyed this novel covering about five days leading up an election day on the Passage Rouge Indian Reservation (fictional) in Wisconsin. The book follows Mitch Caddo, the sort of reluctant right hand man to the current reservation president. There are House of Cards level of political machinations and shifting loyalties throughout.
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