Finalist for the National Book Award for Poetry
'WHEREAS' is a striking debut collection by Layli Long Soldier that poignantly explores themes of identity and belonging through the lens of her Lakota heritage. The book opens with a personal reflection on the responsibilities of motherhood, particularly as they relate to cultural heritage and language. It poses the crucial question, "What did I know about being Lakota?" As she wrestles with this inquiry, the author invites readers into an intimate space of self-discovery and vulnerability.
Through a tapestry of short lyrics, prose poems, and narrative sequences, Long Soldier challenges the coercive language and historical narratives imposed by the United States government on Native American peoples. She does not shy away from the painful complexities of her existence, expressing the duality of her life as both a citizen of the United States and an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
In passages like, "I must work, I must eat, I must art, I must mother, I must friend, I must listen, I must observe, constantly I must live," Long Soldier articulates the multifaceted nature of identity, art, and personal responsibility, presenting her voice as a bridge between history and the present. 'WHEREAS' is not just a collection of poems, but a profound statement of resilience and the necessity of cultural legacy in the face of historical erasure.
This collection is a vital contribution to contemporary literature, creating an innovative dialogue about what it means to belong to two worlds while navigating the pain and wisdom of indigenous experiences. A must-read for lovers of poetry and those seeking to understand the myriad struggles of indigenous voices today.
