The Fast Red Road: A Plainsong by

The Fast Red Road--A Plainsong is a novel that boldly reimagines the American Indian mythos, blending it with modern pop culture and a gritty, poetic prose. The story follows Pidgin, a half-blood protagonist, as he navigates a world of illusion, violence, and redemption, searching for his stolen father's body. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and surreal situations, from giant coyotes to showdowns with historical figures, all while grappling with the legacy of colonialism and the power of myth. Set against the backdrop of a desolate New Mexico, the novel paints a vivid picture of a world where the lines between reality and illusion are blurred. Pidgin's journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual and historical reckoning, as he seeks to reconcile his father's death with centuries of myth-making. The novel's lean, poetic prose and darkly humorous tone make it a unique and unforgettable exploration of identity, history, and the power of storytelling.

Reviews

Counter Arts · 2025-10-24

intriguing 4.50

The novel is a unique blend of genres, blending horror and sci-fi elements in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. It challenges traditional narratives and offers a fresh perspective on the Western genre.

This book is a standout in its genre, offering a unique blend of horror and sci-fi elements that feel both familiar and fresh. The author's ability to challenge traditional narratives and offer a fresh perspective on the Western genre is commendable. The story is told through a series of vignettes, each offering a different perspective on the main character's journey. This approach allows for a deep exploration of the themes and characters, making it a rich and rewarding read. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

Quick quotes

From what I've read, his other works are considered to fall into the horror genre, with perhaps a bit of sci-fi thrown in.

It's a story that defies easy categorization, blending elements of horror, sci-fi, and Western in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.

The novel is a unique blend of genres, challenging traditional narratives and offering a fresh perspective on the Western genre.

Publishers Weekly · 2018-02-23

essential 4.50

The novel stands apart from others in both style and substance, offering a unique perspective on Native American culture. It is a must-read for those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Native American literature.

This book is a standout in the realm of Native American literature, offering a unique perspective that sets it apart from other works in the genre. The author's ability to plunder and distort the rigid conventions of the traditional Western is commendable, making it a must-read for those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Native American culture. The story is told with a unique voice that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a book that will resonate with a wide range of readers. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

Quick quotes

This list should include one book that stands apart from the others in both style and substance.

The novel plunders, in a gleeful, two-fisted fashion, the myth and pop-culture surrounding the American Indian.

It is a story fueled on pot fumes and blues, borrowing and distorting the rigid conventions of the traditional Western.

William J. Cobb · William J. Cobb · 2009-04-25

hypnotic 4.00

The novel is a hallucinatory, beguiling ride through a world that is both painfully real and utterly hypnotic. The use of Marty Robbins' classic country music adds a layer of depth and nostalgia.

This book is a journey that will captivate readers with its hallucinatory and beguiling narrative. The world it portrays is both painfully real and utterly hypnotic, making it a compelling read. The use of Marty Robbins' classic country music adds a layer of depth and nostalgia, enhancing the overall reading experience. The author's ability to blend different elements seamlessly is impressive, making it a book that will resonate with a wide range of readers. The story is told with a unique voice that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

Quick quotes

It's a hallucinatory, beguiling ride through a world both painfully real and utterly hypnotic.

The refrain of Marty Robbins' classic country music adds a layer of depth and nostalgia.

The author's ability to blend different elements seamlessly is impressive.

Appears in Lists

10 Essential Native American Novels