Rachel's Children: Stories from a Contemporary Native American Woman

by Steve Beard

Rachel's Children is a true story, based on real events. It is an engaging and humorous account of a contemporary Ojibwa household and the woman and her children who are at its core. As their lives unfold, we understand how traditional beliefs and oral history help Rachel and her family cope as they encounter racism and educational discrimination in rural northern Michigan. When a white educator arrives in Rachel's household to learn about "Indians," she discovers the harsh reality of backwoods life. Beardslee is the queen of sucker punches―she writes in an unexpected combination of ethnography, theatrical script, and novel, echoing the Ojibwa style of storytelling. Her absorbing story about survival of the Native American family encourages a greater understanding of cultural diversity, and will be valuable for instructors in Native studies, multicultural education, women's studies, and anthropology.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Steve Beard is the author of various speculative novels and experimental fictions, including Meat Puppet Cabaret. He has been called “an uncannily accurate interpreter of Paul Virilio.”

Reviews

[Lisa Patrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect that this book is at least a bit autobiographical. As Louise is well-known regionally and perhaps wider, as a Native American w/Anishinabeh heritage (Odawa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi)with many traditional skills to teach.

My personal Louise Beardslee collection began with a trio of tales for young children on cassette tapes. We wore out 2 of them! Then I came across a print for my elder daughter. Then I have birch bark bite totem for myself. Then I included her volume, Lies to Live By, a memoir intermingling with tales, in an Anishnabe unit I teach to provide a contemporary picture of Native Americans in Michigan.

...So when I read this book, Rachel's Children, I laughed often (maybe at myself). A reporter/admirer--likely the umpteenth one-- shows up to do a story on 'Rachel', this newbie gets thrown in with the rest of pack already in her house. It takes awhile for this reporter to figure out, that 'Rachel' has no intention of sitting down 'to give her story' the reporter is living it! It's funny and smart.

[Arielle Burgdorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

In terms of being a critique of racism/cultural appropriation/look at the life of a modern Ojibwa woman, this book deseres four stars. In terms of readability, the book is far too descriptive at times, and deserves three stars. Thus the average. Definitely unique though, and recommended for those interested in women's studies, american indian studies, and mythology.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The timing of coming across this book was perfect for me. After collecting Lois Beardlee oral stories (on cassette) and traditional bite-work and prints and an anthology, I was completely chagrinned by author's point-of-view.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of an Indigenous woman living her life close to her family and making the best of a hard life. Even with a PhD, the author still struggles to find a place in the dominant world.