Reparation: A Novel of the American Great Plains

by Laine Cunningham, Angel Leya (Cover Art)

NATIONAL AWARD WINNER

Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84 meets Mark Helprin’s Winter’s Tale as a man battles sinister forces associated with a Native American peyote cult.

“A beautifully written supernatural story—the work of a master craftsman.” Grady Harp, Vine Voice

“Endlessly compelling. A fascinating fusion of forms.” Writer's Digest

When Aidan Little Boy leaves his ailing mother’s side to visit his sister on a peyote church property in South Dakota, he encounters a religious cult run by an apparently superhuman leader. Suddenly his nondescript life becomes tangled in a world that has grown disturbing and strange.

In a series of remarkable events, the ancient beings of Native American folktales are manipulated by people with strong connections to the parallel world of spirits. Soon Aidan uncovers evidence that his sister and the rapidly growing congregation are in danger. He must understand these unknown powerful forces before the Reparation, a ceremony that will slaughter thousands of innocents.

This complex and surreal novel merges folktales, history, and contemporary lifestyles with magical realism in a hypnotically addictive original tale.

Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest 2016 Ebook Award

Shortlisted for Three National Awards

206 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 2015

About the author

Laine Cunningham is a novelist and a three-time recipient of The Hackney Award. The Family Made of Dust, set in the Australian Outback, considers how Indigenous lives thrive despite oppression. Reparation is a contemporary novel of the American Great Plains. She is the senior editor and publisher of Sunspot Literary Journal, a multinational publication seeking to change the world.

Reviews

[Angel Leya · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Reparation, the story follows Aiden Little Boy and Gidgee Manitou, two people drawn into a spiritual battle as much as a physical one. Gidgee Manitou is the cult leader of the Four Quarters church, whose plans to cleanse the land of past atrocities tap into the dark side. Aiden Little Boy becomes his Hunka brother – a bond that gives Aiden time to dig into the workings of the ranch and the insight to see what Gidgee Manitou is planning, though the revelation comes slowly.

At risk is all of the women in Aiden’s life – his mother, comatose and cancer-ridden for years, his sister, who’s open heart leaves her vulnerable to Manitou’s manipulation, and Rayna, the beautiful reservation herbalist who catches his eye.

I love the Native American setting, and the struggles it portrays. Ms. Cunningham doesn’t shy away from the atrocities of America’s past. The spirit elements are compelling, and bring a supernatural/fantasy element that I so enjoy.

I also wanted to mention the Heyoka – a kind of spiritual figure/clown that does everything backwards. He was an odd character in the story, but his fate made me laugh.

The writing and imagery are beautiful, and I would definitely recommend the book to adults looking for a smooth, thrilling read.

[Clara M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reparation

A very interesting story about how charismatic people can take in the most wounded, vulnerable, and searching followers, and make them believe what they think they want to know about and hear!