Bowman's Store

Review
By Washington Parent

Joseph Bruchac is an acclaimed teller of Native American history and lore. In his autobiography Bowman’s Store tells of being raised by a loving dark-skinned grandfather who claimed he was French. Only when he grew up did Bruchac, who is also half Slovak, discover and embrace the Abenaki Indian heritage hidden by his grandfather in response to local prejudice. Bruchac’s voice is by turns tender, wry and reflective as he grows to understand himself, his family, his heritage and the place he calls home. Woven into his memoir are myths from various Native American cultures which give context and resonance to his personal story.