Ceremony

by Leslie Marmon Silko
Ceremony cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Literary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 5794
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141992631
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2020-08-27
  • Reviews: 3

Ceremony follows Tayo, a mixed-ancestry World War II veteran returning to the Laguna Pueblo Reservation, haunted by his experiences as a prisoner of war and the rejection he faces from his own people. The novel is celebrated for its profound exploration of cultural identity, trauma, and healing, blending Native American traditions with a deeply personal narrative. /n/n Praised as a masterpiece of Native American literature, Ceremony delves into the power of storytelling and ceremony to mend a broken spirit. It is a testament to the resilience of indigenous cultures and the universal quest for peace and belonging.

Reviews
Opinions of a Wolf · 2021-02-09
beautiful 4.75

The book is described as beautifully written, offering a unique perspective on healing and regeneration. The narrative is praised for its depth and emotional resonance.

The reviewer at Opinions of a Wolf describes 'Ceremony' as a beautifully written book that offers a unique perspective on why things are broken and how one man can potentially be healed. They found the narrative to be deeply moving and emotionally resonant, making it a standout read. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of complex themes and its ability to convey a sense of healing and regeneration. Overall, they believe it is a profound and thought-provoking work.

Quick quotes

    This book is so beautiful in ways that are difficult to describe.

    Its perspective on why things are broken and how one man can potentially be healed.

    The narrative is praised for its depth and emotional resonance.

Books on GIF - Substack · 2021-01-01
ethereal 4.25

The reading experience is likened to entering a dream, with the narrative described as floating and ethereal. The book's unique storytelling style is particularly noted.

The reviewer on Books on GIF - Substack describes reading 'Ceremony' as a dream-like experience, with the narrative feeling like it's floating. They appreciate the book's unique storytelling style, which is both evocative and immersive. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of trauma and healing to be deeply moving, making it a memorable read. They believe the book's ethereal quality sets it apart from other works in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Reading 'Ceremony' felt like entering a dream; it's hard to describe.

    The word that keeps popping into my mind is 'floating.'

    The book's unique storytelling style is particularly noted.

Simone and Her Books · Simone · 2018-01-15
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its compact yet powerful narrative, effectively conveying deep themes. The protagonist's journey of healing and reconnection is particularly highlighted.

Simone found 'Ceremony' to be a surprisingly short yet impactful read, packed with rich themes and a compelling narrative. They particularly appreciated the way the book delves into the protagonist's journey of healing and reconnection, making it a deeply moving experience. The writing is evocative, and the descriptions of the landscape are stunning, adding to the overall richness of the story. Simone believes this book is a must-read for those interested in exploring themes of trauma and recovery.

Quick quotes

    It was surprisingly short and compact for what it was conveying and I loved it.

    The descriptions of the landscape are stunning and it's a very rich, multi-layered book.

    The protagonist's journey of healing and reconnection is particularly highlighted.

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