Reviews of Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange highlight its masterful storytelling, rich character development, and powerful social commentary which resonate with readers. However, some critics mention a complex narrative structure that may confuse less attentive readers. Overall, the novel is praised for its emotional depth and cultural authenticity, cementing Orange's literary prowess.

A reader who would enjoy Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange is likely drawn to contemporary Indigenous voices, richly woven narratives, and complex characters. They may appreciate the interwoven storytelling style found in There There by Tommy Orange and the poignant human connections central to The Round House by Louise Erdrich.

Wandering Stars traces the lives of multiple generations of an Indigenous American family, beginning with Jude Star who survives the Sand Creek Massacre and faces imprisonment and substance use disorder. The narrative follows his descendants, including Charles, Opal, Jacquie, and her grandsons Orvil, Loother, and Lony, as they grapple with their fraught identities and generational trauma, while exploring how art and storytelling can transform their lives. The book includes references to genocide, forced assimilation, racially motivated violence, suicide, and substance use disorder.

**Orvil Red Feather**  
Jamie Red Feather’s son and Jacquie Red Feather’s grandson, who is raised by Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield as his grandmother. Struggles with his heritage and turns to both art and substances.

**Jude Star**  
Ancestor of the Bear Shield and Red Feather families and a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre. Develops a substance use disorder and passes on the power of storytelling to future generations.

**Victor Bear Shield**  
Opal Viola Bear Shield’s father who teaches Jude Star about Indigenous rituals and culture, including creating a drum and using peyote.

**Charles Star**  
Jude and Hannah’s son, who marries Opal Viola Bear Shield, and struggles with substance use disorder, impacting his writing and plans for the future.

**Richard Henry Pratt**  
A real historical figure depicted as a military officer who oversees Indigenous prisoners at Fort Marion, later founding the Carlisle Indian School.

**Opal Viola Bear Shield (Little Bird Woman)**  
Victor Bear Shield’s daughter and mother of Victoria Bear Shield, who makes her way out of the Carlisle Indian School and to Oakland, maintaining optimism for her daughter’s future.

**Victoria Bear Shield**  
Daughter of Charles Star and Opal Viola Bear Shield, raised by the Havens and later brings her daughters to Alcatraz Island, leaving a significant piece of their heritage.

**Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield**  
Daughter of Victoria Bear Shield, who raises Orvil, Loother, and Lony as their grandmother. Struggles to connect them to their Indigenous culture while confronting her own heritage.

**Jacquie Red Feather**  
Victoria Bear Shield’s daughter who moves in with her sister Opal, reestablishing family connections after struggling with substance use disorder.

**Lony Red Feather**  
Youngest son of Jamie Red Feather who is imaginative and desires to live independently while longing for familial connection.

**Loother Red Feather**  
Jamie’s middle child, striving to find his place and express himself creatively through poetry and rap, while grappling with feelings of anger and cultural appropriation.

**Sean Price**  
Orvil's friend of multiracial heritage navigating identity challenges, who shares a struggle with substance use disorder.

**Tom and Mike Price**  
Sean’s adoptive father and brother, with Tom involved in drug production and Mike exhibiting aggressive behavior.

Tommy Orange

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Wandering Stars reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Wandering Stars | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Wandering Stars and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wandering Stars Summary and Study Guide

Background

Wandering Stars Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Before: 1924”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4

Wandering Stars Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-12

Wandering Stars Part 1, Chapters 5-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Aftermath”

Part 2, Chapters 13-18

Wandering Stars Part 2, Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-26

Wandering Stars Part 2, Chapters 19-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Aftermath” - Part 3: “Futures”

Part 2, Chapter 27-Part 3

Wandering Stars Part 2, Chapter 27-Part 3 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Wandering Stars Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Wandering Stars Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Wandering Stars Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Wandering Stars Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Wandering Stars Essay Topics

Wandering Stars: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Wandering Stars?

Reading Age

Book Details