Super Short Summary

In People of the Whale by Linda Hogan, Thomas Just, a Native American from the Pacific Northwest, returns to his village after serving in the Vietnam War, grappling with psychological wounds, cultural disconnection, and family estrangement. The narrative follows his journey of healing, cultural rediscovery, and the complex dynamics with his wife Ruth and their son Marco. The story explores themes of Indigenous cultural identity, environmental ethics, and the lasting impact of war. This book discusses trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cultural loss.