Before writing fiction, plays, and scholarly essays, LeAnne Howe worked in Oklahoma as a waitress, and in a factory making the stems for plastic champagne glasses. She has worked on Wall Street for a securities investment firm, and she has been a journalist. Most recently she has taught at Carleton College, Grinnell College, Sinte Gleska University on Rosebud Sioux Reservation, and at Wake Forest University. Ms. Howe is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She has written two other novels: A Stand Up Reader (1987) and Coyote Stories (1984). |
Shell Shaker Winner of the 2002 American Book Award Red Shoes, the most formidable Choctaw warrior of the 18th century, was assassinated by his own people. Two centuries later, his death still haunts Oklahoma Choctaw historian Auda Billy, herself accused of murdering Choctaw Chief Red McAlester. Moving between the known details of Red Shoes’ life and the riddle of McAlester’s death, Shell Shaker traces the centuries-old history of the Billy women whose destiny it is to solve both murders. “Shell Shaker is an elegant, powerful and knock out story. I’m blown away.” —Joy Harjo, Mvskoke poet and musician “LeAnne Howe has written a gripping and magical tale of ancient Choctaw blood lust and unbreakable family love in modern-day Oklahoma. Shell Shaker is a delicious read, a powerful journey into the hearts of some incredibly strong Indian women.” —Adrian C. Louis, author of Skins “A brilliant, surprising, hilarious, heartbreaking work that layers vision upon vision and cracks America wide open. LeAnne Howe has created a literary landscape you have never seen before and will never forget.” —Susan Power, author of The Grass Dancer
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