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Dramatic,
Dark,
Insightful

3 reviews

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water: A Novel

by Michael Dorris

Published: 2003-03-05
Paperback : 384 pages

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8 clubs reading this now
3 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 3 members

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Introduction

Michael Dorris has crafted a fierce saga of three generations of Indian women, beset by hardships and torn by angry secrets, yet inextricably joined by the bonds of kinship. Starting in the present day and moving backward, the novel is told in the voices of the three women: fifteen-year-old part-black Rayona; her American Indian mother, Christine, consumed by tenderness and resentment toward those she loves; and the fierce and mysterious Ida, mother and grandmother whose haunting secrets, betrayals, and dreams echo through the years, braiding together the strands of the shared past.

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

How were Christine and Rayona affected by the information withheld from them by Aunt Ida?

Why did Ida reject Willard?

Which character did you empathize with most?

by FTessa (see profile) 04/10/12

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 2 of 3 members.

Member Reviews

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by Chris R. (see profile) 10/10/18

"Darkness with Redemption"by Brenda F. (see profile) 11/17/17

I have heard comments from people saying they didn't like this book because it was dark and difficult to read. Well it is dark and it had to be - the lives chronicled in these interwoven stories faced... (read more)

"A Yellow Raft in Blue Water"by Cheryl M. (see profile) 09/27/13

I am an avid reader & usually love books about women in different cultures. Although having a great deal of symbolism and beautiful writing, this book is extremely dark and depressing. The ending is so... (read more)

"Great premise sure to inspire much discussion"by F Tessa B. (see profile) 04/10/12

Dorris braids a single story told in reverse chronological order, from three unique perspectives. Rayona, a 15-year-old “half-breed,” begins the story, relaying her efforts to raise her ... (read more)

"This book should have five stars. I erred in selection."by Kathy K. (see profile) 11/06/08

I first read this book about 18 years ago. It brought tears to my eyes. I read it again recently, and though I was not as moved, probably due to the hardening influence of passing time, I found it to... (read more)

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