The Heirs of Columbus by Gerald Vizenor

The Heirs of Columbus is a unique novel that reclaims the story of Christopher Columbus from a Native American perspective. The book follows the adventures of Columbus's modern-day, mixedblood heirs who gather annually to remember their heritage and plan their tribal nation. Inspired by the trickster healer Stone Columbus, they navigate a world where humor and persistence transform alien values imposed on them. The novel uses humor and myth to challenge received ideas and subvert the status quo, offering an alternative vision of American identity. Gerald Vizenor, a mixedblood Chippewa, writes in the trickster mode of Native American tradition. His work reveals how Native Americans have resisted assimilation and sometimes reversed cultural appropriation. The Heirs of Columbus is a comic tale of mythic proportions that enrages the government and inspires tribal nations, all while offering a fresh perspective on historical and cultural narratives.

Reviews

Publishers Weekly · 2025-10-25

inventive 4.20

The book is celebrated for its manic inventiveness and lyrical trickster tale, offering a unique twist on the story of Columbus's invasion. The reviewer finds the narrative full of twists and turns.

This review emphasizes the book's inventive and lyrical qualities, making it a standout in the genre of historical fiction. The reviewer appreciates how Vizenor casts the story of Columbus's invasion as a trickster tale, full of twists and turns. The narrative's manic inventiveness is particularly noted, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The reviewer suggests that the book offers a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event, making it a must-read for those interested in postmodern literature and cultural studies. The lyrical and trickster-like qualities of the narrative are highlighted as key strengths.

Quick quotes

"Writing with manic inventiveness, Vizenor ( Griever ) casts the story of Columbus's invasion of the New World as a lyrical trickster tale, full of twists, ..."

"The narrative is framed around the assertion that the heirs are not victims of Columbus, but rather active participants in redefining their history and culture."

"The novel stands out not only as a postmodernist revision (in Vizenor's playful and imaginative style) of the Columbian master narrative, but ..."

Fivebooks · 2025-10-25

engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its irreverent retelling of Columbus's story, blending humor and cultural critique. The reviewer appreciates Vizenor's unique perspective and imaginative storytelling.

This review highlights the book's playful and imaginative approach to historical revisionism. The reviewer enjoys how Vizenor reimagines Columbus as part Mayan and part Sephardic, adding a layer of cultural complexity. The narrative's irreverence and humor are particularly noted, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer suggests that Vizenor's work offers a fresh and engaging perspective on a well-trodden historical figure, making it a must-read for those interested in postmodern literature and cultural studies.

Quick quotes

"The Heirs of Columbus is so irreverent; I love it."

"Vizenor retells the story of Columbus but in Vizenor's version Columbus is part Mayan and part Sephardic ..."

"Vizenor's unique perspective and imaginative storytelling"

Johns Hopkins University Press · D Westrum · 1992-01-01

compelling 4.00

The book is seen as a powerful piece of cultural ammunition, battling historical narratives with wit and irony. The reviewer appreciates the novel's lyrical and trickster-like qualities.

This review positions the book as a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about historical narratives and cultural identity. The reviewer notes that Vizenor's work is not just a novel but a form of cultural critique, using humor and irony to challenge conventional views. The lyrical and trickster-like qualities of the narrative are particularly highlighted, making the book a compelling read for those interested in the intersection of history and literature. The reviewer also points out that the heirs of Columbus are portrayed as active participants in redefining their history and culture, adding depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

"Readers of Gerald Vizenor know that his books are not so much books as they are ammunition in the metonymical arsenal with which he battles ..."

"But the magic irony is that the heirs of Columbus seek to calm rather than enrage."

"Stone Columbus, for instance, seeks to resist the evil that ..."

Appears in Lists

The Best Native American Literature