Tony Hillerman, R.I.P
Word comes today of the death of Tony Hillerman, whose mystery novels helped many understand the culture and plight of Native Americans. I read many of his books while visiting relatives in Arizona and really enjoyed the way that he wove in kachina dolls and other legends. I will miss his clear writing and his sense of place.
Hillerman, 83, lived in Albuquerque. From the New York Times obit: His evocative novels, which describe people struggling to maintain ancient traditions in the modern world, touched millions of readers, who made them best sellers. Although the themes of his books were not overtly political, he wrote with a purpose, he often said, and that purpose was to instill in his readers a respect for Indian culture.
His plots, while steeped in contemporary crime and its consequences, were invariably instructive about ancient tribal beliefs and customs, from purification rituals for a soldier returned from a foreign war to incest taboos for a proper clan marriage.
“It’s always troubled me that the American people are so ignorant of these rich Indian cultures,” Mr. Hillerman once told Publishers Weekly. “I think it’s important to show that aspects of ancient Indian ways are still very much alive and are highly germane even to our ways.”
Beginning with “The Blessing Way” in 1970 the 18 novels Mr. Hillerman set on Southwest Indian reservations featuring Lieut. Joe Leaphorn and Sgt. Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police, brought a new dimension to the character of the traditional genre hero.
Comments
I am a huge Hillerman fan, too. I listened to many of his books on tape, some of which he read himself, and his growly voice seemed perfect for the character of Joe Leaphorn. I was also delighted to learn everything Hillerman had to share about the Indian culture and the spectacular geography of the Southwest.
Posted by: Susan | October 27, 2008 2:46 PM
The last time I had this "Oh, no!" feeling over the death of a writer was when Agatha Christie died.
His health must have been bad for awhile. He gave Jim Chee a wife.
Posted by: Eve | October 27, 2008 2:53 PM