The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Author: Stephen Graham Jones
Publisher: S&S/Saga Press 
Genre: Horror
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: July 14, 2020
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 1982136456
ISBN-13: 978-1982136451

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Summary

The Only Good Indians follows four Native American friends haunted by a disturbing event from their youth. 

Their shared experience unearths a deadly entity that seeks revenge, driving each character to confront their past.

Main Plot & Characters

The story focuses on four men—Lewis, Gabe, Cass, and Ricky—who, after a hunting incident, face a relentless force. 

As they attempt to return to normalcy, the dark presence lingers, forcing them to question tradition, loyalty, and survival.

Key Themes of The Only Good Indians

• Cultural Identity: The story delves into the challenges of balancing modern life with cultural roots, particularly for Native Americans.
• Guilt and Redemption: Each character wrestles with guilt from the past, seeking redemption in the face of supernatural retribution.
• Cycle of Violence: The novel explores how violence from the past impacts future generations, creating an unbreakable cycle.
• Survival and Sacrifice: Confronting their own mortality, the characters discover what they are willing to sacrifice to make things right.

Writing Style

Jones’s writing blends horror with culture. His narrative style creates tension while offering insight into Native American perspectives.

Impact of The Only Good Indians

The Only Good Indians portrays cultural themes within horror. It sparks discussions around Indigenous identity and the psychological impact of unresolved guilt.