For those who don't know this author, Thomas King is an English Professor at the University of Guelph. And he's as genuine a voice in literature as the Native population could ask for.
This book, 'Truth and Bright Water' is a fabulous read - I was hooked in from the first sentence and didn't put the book down until I'd finished it; the reader is completely absorbed in/by the lives of the characters.
Thomas has an outstanding ability to take his pennings and create rich and dense pictures/emotions for his readers; I could actually envision the landscapes he described, and astutely knew the emotions and perceptions he was ascribing to his characters.
Tecumseh and Lum are two teenage cousins who are rolling through life - seemingly on the fringe but fully involved in the complex events and lives of those around them. For Tecumseh, there's enlightenment and understanding, for Lum despair and alienation. Many of the supporting cast members are wacky and hilarious. Though their way of life was crushed in many ways, their hope, bravery, and stalwart endurance continues on, and such is richly displayed in the story of these two teenage boys.
King is an astute observer of humanity's workings and what makes people (and people groups) tick - such discernment shines through every word of the book. As well, he turns society's impression of 'a dumb Indian' on its heels and reveals the complex insight and wisdom that Natives have and hold. Their genuine character shines through brilliantly in each and every person featured in the book.
King's writings are a fabulous read - poignant, entertaining, provoking, prophetic, and insightful. All the best of what the reader could hope for. This title gets two big thumbs up from me.