Linda Hogan, an accomplished poet with a body of published short stories, ventures into novel writing with her debut, Mean Spirit. She brings to life a historical narrative deeply influenced by her mixed-blood Chickasaw heritage, though her characters are Osage. Her father’s roots in Oklahoma inspired her to explore “the great frenzy,” a pivotal yet turbulent period in Native American history. This exploration echoes the thematic depth found in the works of Joy Harjo, a Creek Indian poet and contemporary of Hogan. Both writers share a remarkable ability to weave spiritual beliefs into their writing, resulting in prose that elegantly communicates the resilience of Native American traditions and communities.

Hogan’s narrative style in Mean Spirit draws comparisons to the works of Gabriel García Márquez and Jorge Luis Borges, famed twentieth-century Latin American writers known for their mastery of Magical Realism. Hogan employs this technique to blend realistic descriptions with supernatural elements, crafting a story that transcends the ordinary. In her novel, surreal events unfold, such as swarming crickets that jolt Nola from her state of depression, bees that poignantly avenge Belle by killing the sheriff, and a prophetic river that warns of the impending consequences of a new dam. These elements are not merely fantastical; they serve a dual purpose.

Through these magical occurrences, Hogan connects the natural world—animals and the earth—to the human experience, linking traditional beliefs with the realities faced by contemporary Native Americans. This fusion of the real and the extraordinary not only enriches the narrative but also supports Hogan’s broader mission: to illuminate the often-overlooked chapters of Native American history. The novel acts as a vessel, carrying ritualistic ceremony and political advocacy for the recognition and preservation of suppressed histories, thereby asserting the enduring spirit and cultural survival of Native peoples.