Big Chief was different from anything I have ever read before, perhaps because I don't often read novels about political intrigue, unless they are also science fiction or fantasy. Big Chief deals with tribal politics, and its events are almost entirely confined to the week leading up to the tribe's presidential election. The author, debut novelist Jon Hickey, makes the brilliant decision of focusing the story on the reelection campaign following two years in office. We slowly learn more about how the idealism of the first campaign has given way to political corruption, resentments, and opportunism.

This is a subtle novel in many ways, though the parallels between the microcosm of the tribal election and the national US political moment were anything but. The subtleties come instead in its characterizations, particularly of its biracial protagonist, Mitch, and his relationship to his tribe and to his white adopted father and career mentor.

The protagonist (or perhaps a bit of an antihero) is slippery. I found it hard to get a handle on him, but I also got the sense he didn't quite understand himself, or was unwilling to fully confront the reality of his self, and so this was the point. Things seem to happen to Mitch, and yet we know both from others and his own (somewhat begrudgingly given) account that he is a schemer, the man behind the mirror of the actual tribal president, his childhood friend Mack. Mitch is first and foremost among the complex characters of the novel's cast--among which there are very few truly good people, despite all of their many good intentions.

The novel does contain frank depictions of political and police violence. Yet, these moments never felt gratuitous, but only inevitable, the mark of a truly well-executed plot. I was not always sure what to think about Big Chief while reading it, but the more I sit with the novel, the more I like it. I hope others do as well.

Mitch has a law a law degree that he’s using for his Nation’s political candidate as Tribal president. He’s about to confront hard choices as the climate of the upcoming election forces him to choose where his loyalties lie. The setting in inhospitable northern Wisconsin is completely foreign to me. Having read several multicultural stories who’s focus was native tribes, I always gain insight to the culture. There are power struggles with a constant threat of being thrown out, disenrolled or banishments as a member of the tribe based on proof of lineage. Crime, poverty and drugs live beside the massive Casino, fancy cars and ornate estates. Mitch must face his childhood best friend, his feelings for the woman he still loves, while dealing with politics, corruption, protests and unrest. The tension of the story builds as events unfold. His perception of his lifelong mentor is upended. It’s a powerful story of friendship, family, loyalty and finding your calling in life. While there were many takeaways the one that stood out for me was be careful who your heroes are. No matter their status, intelligence or accolades they’re human just like you. The story made me feel desolate, it’s depressing to visualize the ongoing struggles within tribal settlements.
Simon & Schuster (via NetGalley) provided an Advance Reader Copy of “Big Chief” by Jon Hickey, publication expected 04/08/2025. These are my honest, personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.