Plot Summary

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water

Michael Dorris
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A Yellow Raft in Blue Water

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

Book Brief

Michael Dorris

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1980s

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

920L

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Super Short Summary

Set mainly near Bearpaw Lake, Wyoming, Michael Dorris’s historical fiction, A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, follows the lives of three women from successive generations of a Native American family, telling their stories in reverse chronological order. Rayona, a half African-American girl, grows up on a reservation, and the novel then recounts the stories of her mother, Christine, and Christine’s mother, Aunt Ida.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

18,441 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Michael Dorris' A Yellow Raft in Blue Water intricately weaves the stories of three generations of Native American women, highlighting themes of identity and family. Praised for its lyrical prose and deep character development, some critics note the complex narrative structure can be challenging. Overall, the novel is lauded for its rich cultural insight and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Yellow Raft in Blue Water?

Readers who appreciate multi-generational stories, complex female characters, and Native American themes will enjoy A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris. Fans of Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine and Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club will find this novel compelling due to its layered narrative and cultural depth.

4.2

18,441 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water was Michael Dorris's debut novel published in 1987, which gained praise for its complex narrative structure and deep exploration of Native American identity.

The novel is notable for its unique storytelling technique, as it unfolds through the perspectives of three female protagonists across three generations, each offering a distinct viewpoint that enriches the overall narrative.

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Michael Dorris was awarded various accolades for his literary work, and A Yellow Raft in Blue Water was instrumental in establishing his reputation as a prominent voice in contemporary Native American literature.

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Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1980s

Publication Year

1987

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

920L

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