Tommy Orange is an American author of Cheyenne and Arapaho descent. He writes literary fiction and is best known for his debut novel, There There (2018). The book was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize and won the American Book Award in the same year.
Born on January 19, 1982, in Oakland, California, Orange grew up in the city's Dimond District. His father was a leader of Native American ceremonies, while his mother converted to Christianity for a period. From the age of 14 to 24, Orange played roller hockey at a national level. He started playing music at the age of 18 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sound Arts. After college, he worked at Gray Wolf Books in San Leandro, where he developed a serious interest in reading and writing.
He subsequently enrolled at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, completing a Master of Fine Arts. He now teaches at the same institute.
His debut novel, There There, was published in 2018. It tells the stories of twelve Native American characters living in Oakland, California. The narrative shifts between the first, second and third person. Each character grapples with issues of identity, belonging, addiction, violence and cultural survival. The plot builds towards a powwow at the Oakland Coliseum, where the characters' lives intersect during a planned robbery.
The novel also features an introductory essay that addresses the historical violence faced by Native peoples. Orange also writes about the urban Native experience. One character, Orvil Red Feather, searches online for the meaning of being a 'real Indian'. Another character, Edwin Black, holds a postgraduate degree in Native literature but is unable to find work.
The book explores themes of cultural disconnection and invisibility, as well as the effects of generational trauma. As Orange himself said, 'Native people are pretty invisible.' He wrote it for other urban Natives who rarely see their stories reflected in the media.
There There won the John Leonard Prize in 2018 and the PEN/Hemingway Award in 2019. It was also longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal and the Audie Award for Multi-voiced Performance.
His second novel, Wandering Stars (2024), was longlisted for the Booker Prize. It acts as both a prequel and a sequel to his first book.
Tommy Orange lives in Oakland with his wife and two sons.
Photo credit: Michael Lionstar
