59 pages • 1 hour read
Green Grass, Running Water
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Book Brief
469
Novel • Fiction
Blackfoot Reserve, Canada • 1990s
1993
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King is set in a contemporary First Nations Blackfoot community in Alberta, Canada, and follows several interwoven plotlines. A notable mix of realistic and mythic elements revolves around characters grappling with Indigenous identity. Four Indigenous elders escape a psychiatric institution to fix the world while interacting with modern characters and traditional creation stories. The book discusses themes of cultural preservation, identity, and societal roles.
Humorous
Fantastical
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
8,407 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas King’s Green Grass, Running Water weaves Indigenous storytelling with contemporary life, receiving praise for its humor, rich character ensemble, and narrative innovation. Some critics find its non-linear structure challenging. Balancing myth and reality, the novel offers a unique, engaging read with occasional complexity. Overall, it is celebrated for its cultural depth.
Who Should Read Green Grass, Running Water?
Readers who appreciate magical realism, Indigenous storytelling, and cultural satire will enjoy Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King. Comparable to Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Toni Morrison's Beloved, it appeals to those interested in folklore woven into contemporary narratives.
8,407 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
469
Novel • Fiction
Blackfoot Reserve, Canada • 1990s
1993
Adult
18+ years
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