Review: “Singing Grass” by Ian M. Evans
Review: “Singing Grass” by Ian M. Evans (Photo by Jonas Allert on Unsplash)
I had no clue what to expect when I started reading this book. I stumbled upon it through recommendations at an online event about writing fiction. My choice to read it came from my interest in Native American history. I was hoping to encounter new information, a new perspective through this book and get challenged, as with my white socialization I know nothing about Native American history. To be honest, I found even more in this book. I promise, no spoilers here, because that would lead to a loss of excitement and curiosity in reading it.
When I started reading this book I was wondering where it was supposed to go. At first the plot appeared ordinary to me, not much of an exciting read and I was wondering where the Native American connection might come into play. At some point in the beginning, I must admit that it bored me and I hesitated continuing reading. I just couldn’t see where the story might be leading. So, I enjoyed even more the mysterious turn that came in at one point out of the blue, leaving me to question what’s behind it. From that point on I couldn’t put the book down. I had to find out what this is all about.
As I said in the beginning, I know very little about Native American history, as I enjoyed a white socialization and therefore, all I learned in school here in Germany was Columbus, the Spanish explorer who discovered America. So, with my lack of knowledge the following reflection of my reading will be of course one-sided, as it portrays only my perception of the book based on my lack of knowledge.
What I very much loved about the book were the dynamics between different characters and within society. It’s been shown, from my point of view, very well in some characters how they live their daily, ordinary lives believing now in the 21st century we have reached the paradise of freedom and equality and don’t have to think of the past anymore. At some point these characters get challenged individually, and deny with both hesitation and anger their responsibility for past events and involvement in it by perpetuating the old structures without consciously realizing it. Even at the point where I had the impression some characters adjusted their action through self-reflection and awareness, they ran up against a wall, as they realized it is an entire social structure and not only their individual perspective.
Getting near to the end of the book, I was wondering about the ending. I hoped it would not to be a happy-end, as this would have been inappropriate here, I think. Without being too much of a spoiler, I think I can mention that, thankfully, it is not a happy end. It is an open ending, which I very much welcomed. Even though I am not a fan of open endings at all, it turned out to be, from my personal view, the only way to end this book in a realistic way. Over the course of the book the perspectives of the characters, their actions, and way of looking at the world changed. However, it becomes clear at the end that this is not the point where this process stops and they live happily ever after. No, the change continues. As a matter of fact, the reflection keeps going on with the view, opinion, and perspectives of others.
Finally, throughout the book the mysterious remains a key feature. Indeed, we as individual humans can never grasp everything and that it is important for us to be aware of that and therefore, always keep seeking for fresh insights. The way I perceive the world is not the way others perceive it too. Or to be more precise here: the way I have been taught, told and socialized to see the world and their happenings is not true, not the reality for others who look from a totally different angle. For me “Singing Grass” by Ian M. Evan points that out very clearly and is definitely recommendable.
