Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight by Ursula K. Le Guin is a collection of short stories, including the titular novelette. The book follows a young girl who is lost in the desert after a plane crash and is taken care of by a variety of strange people and animals. The story is described as gentle, emotional, and influenced by Native American culture, drawing heavily from the native myths of the desert country of the USA Four Corners. The narrative weaves themes of parental neglect, CPTSD, spiritual leanings, and the conflict between the human and non-human world.

Le Guin's writing style is praised for being straightforward yet lyrical, creating a fantastic tale that combines elements of magical realism and surrealism. The book is enhanced by the mystical illustrations provided by Susan Seddon Boulet, which bring the story to life with a gentle mystical quality. Readers appreciate the depth of the storytelling, the wisdom contained within the narrative, and the way the book transports them to a world hidden from everyday life.

Characters:

The characters include a lost girl and animal beings, particularly an anthropomorphized Coyote figure, embodying cultural and mythical significance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a blend of straightforward and lyrical prose, creating a dreamlike and mystical experience that invites deep engagement with the text.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot explores themes of childhood neglect, the journey toward adulthood, and the tension between nature and civilization, all set against a surreal backdrop following a plane crash.

Setting:

The setting is a surreal desert landscape in the Southwest USA, rich with cultural significance and tied to Native myths.

Pacing:

The pacing is dreamlike and reflective, though some plot resolutions may feel rushed or contrived.

Notes:

Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight is both a novelette and part of a short story collection.

The story explores themes of childhood neglect and the transition to adulthood.

It features a child who survives a plane crash and is taken in by a character named Coyote.

The narrative touches on conflicts between nature and civilization, as well as myth and reality.

Though aimed at a younger audience, the book has layers that may resonate more with older readers.

Susan Seddon Boulet's illustrations add a magical element to the story and enhance its themes.

Le Guin's writing is described as straightforward yet lyrical, creating a deep emotional impact.

The book serves as a vision quest and features elements of magical realism, aligning with the work of authors like Charles de Lint.

Readers appreciate how the story connects with Native American myths and the sacredness of Earth.

The combination of text and illustrations is considered enchanting and meaningful for readers of all ages.

From The Publisher:

A little girl is rescued from a plane crash by Coyote, who takes her to the village of the animals, or "Old People," who continue to follow their own way of life alongside humankind, the "New People"

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Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight

Ursula K. Le Guin, Susan Seddon Boulet

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From The Publisher:

Reader Stats (3):

What can you read after Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight?

Ursula K. Le Guin,
Susan Seddon Boulet

What can you read after
Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight?