Calling Tsela is a rich blend of historical fiction, spiritual exploration, and modern-day crime drama, centered around the Navajo Nation and its people. The book weaves together two narratives: one of a silver mine in 19th-century Navajo country, full of mysticism and legend, and the other of a Navajo cop in the present day dealing with visions, crime, and his cultural roots. Tsela, the protagonist, finds himself drawn into a spiritual journey that connects the past to the present, as he uncovers the mysteries surrounding Navajo traditions, crime on the reservation, and his own haunting visions.

I was immediately captivated by the vivid descriptions of the Navajo landscape and the seamless way the author brings historical context into the story. The opening chapter drops you right into the 1800s with a gripping tale of Mortimer Cade’s quest for a lost silver mine, setting the stage for the entire novel. Thompson’s ability to contrast this historical narrative with the present-day struggles of Tsela is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The way he uses the landscape as a backdrop for both eras creates a sense of timelessness. I found myself emotionally invested in Tsela’s internal struggle as he tries to reconcile his duties as a cop with his connection to his Navajo heritage.

Thompson’s writing shines brightest in the personal moments, especially during Tsela’s peyote ceremonies and visions. The surreal, almost hallucinogenic quality of these passages was mesmerizing, yet it still felt deeply rooted in the spiritual realities of the Navajo culture. Tsela’s encounter with the zebra-man and his subsequent vision of a murdered woman were particularly powerful. These moments brought an intensity and urgency to the story that had me questioning what was real and what was part of Tsela’s spiritual journey. The balance between reality and the supernatural was handled with finesse, never feeling over the top but always keeping me on edge. The crime drama element was intriguing, though at times it felt a bit disconnected from the more mystical parts of the novel. While Tsela’s role as a Navajo police officer grounds the story in the real world, I did feel like the pacing slowed down during the investigation scenes. The gritty reality of gang violence, drugs, and murder was well-portrayed, but I found myself more drawn to the spiritual and cultural aspects of the book. Still, I appreciated how Thompson did not shy away from depicting the harsh realities faced by the Navajo community today. The loss of culture, crime, and economic hardship gave the novel a layer of depth that enhanced Tsela’s personal struggles.

Calling Tsela is a multi-layered novel that seamlessly blends Navajo history, spirituality, and modern-day issues into a compelling narrative. Thompson’s evocative writing, combined with a unique storyline, makes this a book that will resonate with readers interested in indigenous cultures, mystical storytelling, and crime fiction. I’d highly recommend it to those who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries between the seen and unseen, and anyone who appreciates a deep dive into cultural heritage.

Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0B2TPRS6P