Debra Magpie Earling
Debra Magpie Earling is a Native American author of the Bitterroot Salish tribe. She is best known for her novel 'Perma Red' (2002), which won the American Book Award, among other accolades. Earling's work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the struggles of Native American people. She has also contributed to the literary landscape as a professor, teaching creative writing and Native American studies.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Perma Red
This novel unfolds on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana during the 1940s, centering around Louise White Elk, a young Native American woman of fierce spirit and beauty, who dreams of escaping the confines of her oppressive environment. As she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and cultural survival, Louise becomes entangled with three men: a white rodeo cowboy, a Native American former soldier, and a law enforcement officer. These relationships expose the harsh realities and challenges faced by Indigenous people, particularly women, against a backdrop of systemic racism and cultural erasure. Through its vivid storytelling and richly drawn characters, the narrative explores themes of resilience, autonomy, and the quest for freedom within the constraints of a colonized landscape.
The 7059th Greatest Book of All Time
