Crooked Hallelujah
Crooked Hallelujah
Book Brief
Beta304
Short Story • Fiction
Oklahoma And Texas • 1970s-2000s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford follows multiple generations of Cherokee women navigating the challenges of life in 1970s and 1980s Oklahoma and Texas. Through interconnected short stories like "Half Life" and "Me and My Uncle," the narrative explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
4,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford is praised for its lyrical prose and vivid depiction of Cherokee women's lives across generations. The narrative weaves personal and cultural challenges with grace. However, some critics note its fragmented structure may disrupt engagement. Overall, Ford's debut is celebrated for emotional depth and authentic voice.
Who Should Read Crooked Hallelujah?
A reader who enjoys Crooked Hallelujah by Kelli Jo Ford often appreciates narratives about family, resilience, and Indigenous identities. Such readers might also enjoy Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine, as both explore interconnected lives, cultural heritage, and the complexities of womanhood.
4,009 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kelli Jo Ford is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and her work in Crooked Hallelujah reflects her own cultural heritage and personal experiences growing up in rural Oklahoma and Texas.
Crooked Hallelujah was Kelli Jo Ford's debut novel and received notable recognition, including being longlisted for the 2020 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.
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Kelli Jo Ford's writing has appeared in prominent publications such as The Paris Review and Virginia Quarterly Review, highlighting her range and skill as a short story author before publishing her first novel.
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304
Short Story • Fiction
Oklahoma And Texas • 1970s-2000s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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