Description

A Kirkus Editor’s Pick • Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2025 by Cowboys & Indians, Brit + Co, and Debutiful

“Aaron John Curtis’s poignant debut weaves robust humor and deep respect for tradition into a powerful narrative.” ―Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois

“Electrifying…a stunning and extraordinary work.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A heartfelt, expertly crafted novel.” ―Morgan Talty, bestselling author of Night of the Living Rez and Fire Exit

“A talented author whose voice bursts from every page with energy and authenticity.” ―Nathan Hill, New York Times bestselling author of Wellness and The Nix

Old School Indian is a moving novel about one Ahkwesáhsne man’s hesitant return to his roots and his courageous path toward healing.

Abe Jacobs is Kanien’kehá:ka from Ahkwesáhsne, known to white outsiders as a Mohawk of the Saint Regis Tribe. After leaving the reservation behind at eighteen and making a deliberate effort never to return, Abe finds himself at forty-three grappling with a life-threatening diagnosis and a deteriorating marriage. Overwhelmed and determined to outrun his problems, Abe comes home to the Rez seeking answers, guidance, and possibly a chance at survival.

Back home, Abe reluctantly submits to traditional healing supervised by his Great Uncle Budge. Budge—once lost to alcohol and now dry-witted, sober, and sporting punk rock T-shirts—is an unlikely healer, and Abe’s longtime absence has only sharpened his doubts. But as Abe opens himself to confronting hidden truths and reconnecting with his roots, he embarks on an illuminating and transformative journey. Along the way, he must come to terms with aspects of himself he left buried years ago and rediscover hope in his most challenging moment.

Infused with sharp humor and rich insight, Old School Indian beautifully captures the complexities of reconnecting with family and heritage. Curtis delivers a heartfelt exploration of identity, courage, generational secrets, and the profound potential for healing.