This book was an incredible read! There as such depth in the story that gave the characters so much life to them, and added to the drama that unfolded in the story. There is a sense of melancholy and nostalgic regret that runs deep through the narration, and brings the story to life.

This book follows Mitch Caddo, an Indigenous lawyer turned poilitical fixer. Mitch is trying to keep his boss and childhood friend, Mack Beck, the president of the Passage Rouge Anishinaabe council. Mitch grew up partially outside of the community, and so he still feels like an outsider, even though his mother brought him back to the reservation to connect with his heritage. While attempting to keep Mack the president of the council in the impending election, their hold on power becomes more tenuous as the challenger, Gloria Hawkins, and her aide, Layla Beck, Mack’s estranged sister and Mitch’s former love, campaign in the community. The campaign falls more apart when Mitch’s mentor is killed in an accident, and Mitch begins to question how far they’re willing to go to win the election.

Throughout the book, I felt torn with how Mitch had approached many of his decisions. With the flashbacks to his earlier life in the community, we see glimpses of how he arrived at the current situation in the election. Mitch is not always a likeable character, and that does make some of the book difficult to enjoy, however I think it adds to the overall story. As much as we may want a ‘happy ending’ for the characters, this book felt deeply human to me. This story felt like a reckoning for Mitch, as he examined his past choices, as well as how he reacted to his current predicament. The book did tend to drag a bit in the flashback portions, but overall I enjoyed this book.

I was initially interested to read Big Chief by Jon Hickey because it’s described as There There meets The Night Watchman and I loved There There. This debut novel follows Mitch Caddo who works with Tribal President, Mack, on the Passage Rouge Nation and hoping for reelection. A tragic accident brings some secrets to light and Mitch has to deal with politics, the community and his family and friends. I feel like I just wanted a bit more from this story. It has all the elements but maybe lacking in execution. I’d still be interested to read his next book!

An incredibly unique plot that explores the many ways we are connected to each other, what Indigenous sovereignty means, and the lengths people will go to in order to feel like they belong.