Tommy Orange's "Wandering Stars"

The LARB Radio Hour features Eric Newman interviewing Tommy Orange, author of "Wandering Stars," a novel that serves as both a prequel and sequel to his previous work, "There There." Orange discusses the genesis of "Wandering Stars," which intertwines the historical trauma of the Sand Creek Massacre and the boarding school system with the contemporary struggles of his characters. They explore themes of cultural identity, the impact of historical trauma, the role of storytelling in preserving and transmitting culture, and the complexities of addiction. Orange shares insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and his perspective on the recent increase in mainstream representation of indigenous stories. The conversation also touches on Orange's work as a teacher and mentor, and the importance of providing access and advocacy for emerging Native voices in literature.