Night of the Living Rez

By: Morgan Talty

Narrated by: Darrell Dennis

Set in a Native community in Maine, Night of the Living Rez is a riveting debut collection about what it means to be Penobscot in the twenty-first century and what it means to live, to survive, and to persevere after tragedy.

In twelve striking, luminescent stories, author Morgan Talty—with searing humor, abiding compassion, and deep insight—breathes life into tales of family and a community as they struggle with a painful past and an uncertain future. A boy unearths a jar that holds an old curse, which sets into motion his family’s unraveling; a man, while trying to swindle some pot from a dealer, discovers a friend passed out in the woods, his hair frozen into the snow; a grandmother suffering from Alzheimer’s projects the past onto her grandson; and two friends, inspired by Antiques Roadshow, attempt to rob the tribal museum for valuable root clubs.

A collection that examines the consequences and merits of inheritance, Night of the Living Rez is an unforgettable portrayal of an Indigenous community and marks the arrival of a standout talent in contemporary fiction.

©2022 Morgan Talty (P)2022 Recorded Books

Interesting story and great narration

I heard about this book on Maine PublicRadio and was happy to find it on Audible. I think having it narrated by a Native American made it even more interesting. Both writer and narrator did an excellent job.

History of reservation life

I thought it didn't flow well. Started during adult life, then child life, adult, then teenager adult and then child

Glad I Came Across This Book

Great book, even though it was sad and an all too real glimpse of rez life. I always like to hear the language and stories of other tribes. The narrator did a great job. I don’t think the pronunciation of the words would have came across as well if I read them myself. I would recommend this book to others.

Rez life indeed

Very well written and the performance was spot on with the accent.

Dislikes. The jumping around was confusing but I could understand if that’s what the main character could recall. Fragments of memories…

Terribly good

This book, like most stories and experiences that come from a rez, is the epitome of an oxymoron. Awful and good. If you’ve ever lived on a reservation relating won’t be a challenge at all and you’ll laugh because you’ll know what these moments really feel like. You’ll feel quiet because you know what these moments really feel like. This book captured these experiences well. It’s hard, heartbreaking, funny, and relatable.