The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven

by Sherman Alexie
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5692
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-11-16
good 3.50

The book is a collection of short stories by Sherman Alexie, exploring life on a reservation with themes of hopelessness, alcoholism, and despair. The writing is good, with some stellar moments, but the subject matter is dark and can be tough to read.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a collection of short stories by Sherman Alexie that won the National Book Award. The stories are set on a reservation and deal with themes of hopelessness, alcoholism, and despair. The writing is good, with some parts being stellar, but the subject matter is dark and can be tough to read. The reviewer found the stories to be emotionally heavy, with many characters struggling to escape the reservation but ultimately falling back into the same cycle of despair. Despite the heavy subject matter, the reviewer appreciated the writing and found it to be a good representation of a new and different voice. The reviewer also noted that the book has been around for a while and is worth reading for those interested in a different perspective.

Quick quotes

    The writing was good (stellar in places).

    My heart would go out to the characters.

    Yes, tough book.

robertraymond.com · Unknown · 2025-11-16
powerful 4.00

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a collection of interconnected short stories that captures the essence of Native Americans struggling with cultural identity, poverty, and societal issues. The book's evocative writing highlights the challenges and stagnation of life on a reservation, with characters often reverting to familiar patterns of inaction and despair.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a poignant collection of short stories that delves into the lives of Native Americans on a reservation in Spokane, Washington. The stories are interconnected, presenting a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by the characters, including poverty, alcoholism, drug addiction, and racism. The writing is initially beautiful and evocative, with a command of language that is exceptional. However, as the book progresses, the quality of the writing becomes inconsistent, which may be a metaphor for the stagnant and unchanging lives of the characters. The main character, Victor, embodies the tension between different cultures and the difficulty of bridging the gap between them. The book is a powerful exploration of cultural identity and the human condition, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    It’s impossible not to hear the underlying plaintive cries of this book that presents itself as a work of fiction when it captures the very essence of people who have lost their once proud cultural identity and are hardpressed to find something to replace it.

    As with The Lone Ranger and Tonto, there is respect and appreciation for each other but the two worlds rarely overlap with their different cultures, expectations, and coping mechanisms.

    Is this a metaphor for the lives and human condition about which the author writes?

kirkusreviews.com · Unknown · 2025-11-16
brilliant 4.50

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a collection of interconnected short stories that offer a poignant and often humorous glimpse into the lives of contemporary Native Americans. The writing is vivid and emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of identity, culture, and personal struggles.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a powerful and evocative collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Native Americans, particularly those of the Spokane Indian Reservation. Sherman Alexie's writing is both raw and poetic, blending humor and heartache to create a rich tapestry of experiences. The stories are interconnected, offering a comprehensive look at the characters and their struggles with identity, culture, and personal demons. The collection is a testament to Alexie's skill as a storyteller, capturing the essence of Native American life with authenticity and depth. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and unique, making the book a compelling read. The themes of the book are universal, resonating with readers from all backgrounds.

Quick quotes

    The stories are interconnected, offering a comprehensive look at the characters and their struggles with identity, culture, and personal demons.

    Sherman Alexie's writing is both raw and poetic, blending humor and heartache to create a rich tapestry of experiences.

    The collection is a testament to Alexie's skill as a storyteller, capturing the essence of Native American life with authenticity and depth.

Appears in Lists