49 pages 1 hour read

Linda Hogan

Mean Spirit

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan is set in 1922 Watona, Oklahoma, where the murder of oil-rich Osage woman Grace Blanket and subsequent mysterious deaths expose a web of corruption, conspiracy, and anti-Indigenous violence aimed at stealing Osage oil rights. As law enforcement ignores the murders, a Lakota detective uncovers the crime ring, but the Osage community remains fearful for their safety amidst ongoing threats. Contains references to death by suicide and anti-Indigenous racism and violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

In Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan, readers praise the vivid portrayal of Native American culture and the gripping narrative centered around the Osage murders in the 1920s. While some find the pacing slow at times, the novel's rich historical context and complex characters are widely appreciated. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mean Spirit?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with a focus on Native American culture and environmental themes, similar to The Round House by Louise Erdrich or Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, will enjoy Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan. The novel's rich narrative and intricate portrayal of characters appeal to those interested in social justice and indigenous history.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Western

Magical Realism

Themes

Identity: Indigenous

Identity: Race

Life/Time: The Past

Topics

Education

History: World