A Yellow Raft In Blue Water by Michael Dorris

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris is a powerful, multi-generational novel that tells the intertwined stories of three women—Rayona, Christine, and Ida. Starting in the present and moving backward in time, the novel explores the lives and struggles of 15-year-old Rayona, a part-Black, part-Native American teenager searching for her identity; her mother Christine, a woman torn between love and resentment for those closest to her; and Ida, the enigmatic grandmother whose secrets and ancient betrayals have shaped their shared history.

As the novel unfolds, Dorris masterfully weaves together the lives of these three women, exploring themes of identity, family, love, and survival. Their stories braid together to form a complex and emotional narrative about the bonds that tie us together, even through years of heartbreak and loss.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

You’ll love A Yellow Raft in Blue Water for its richly layered narrative and its compelling portrayal of three generations of women. Michael Dorris’ deeply emotional and beautifully written story captures the complexities of family, identity, and the weight of secrets, making this a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.