White Dove, Tell Me
A Novel
by Martin Etchart
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Pub Date Apr 16 2024 | Archive Date May 31 2024
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Description
In the wake of this tragedy, Xabier learns that not only is the family ranch in jeopardy of foreclosure but his father’s death may not have been the accident it first appeared to be. Now, he must find a way to save his family’s ranch while unraveling the mysteries leading to his father’s death. Along the way, Xabier strives to adhere to his father’s memory and words—the invitation to stay true to who he is without losing his arima (soul).
In lyrical language that evokes the mythologies that have shaped the Etxeas’s worldview, White Dove, Tell Me speaks to the divided self that seeks to honor the family’s Basque heritage, while they strive for understanding in a new land.
A Note From the Publisher
Secondary market: First/second generation immigrants
Primary market: First/second generation Basque-American immigrants
Secondary market: First/second generation immigrants
Advance Praise
“This engaging novel is not only an insightful approach to the Basque legacy in the New West, but also a moving story about place and identity, with a touch of magic realism, Basque mythology, and lyricism. This compelling tale reveals both the power of the past and the need of risk-taking while facing the future. It is an inspiring story about strong family and community ties that coexist with a vindication of individual dreams. “ —David Rio, author of Robert Laxalt: The Voice of the Basques in American Literature and New Literary Portraits of the American West
"White Dove, Tell Me is the unsentimental tale of culture, love, loss, deception, and betrayal in the bosom of a Basque community that stipulates unabating loyalty. A classic storyteller and propulsive stylist, Etchart reminds lovers of literature why we first became enraptured by the finely written word: to experience the endearing and enduring virtue of humanity in extremis." —Daniel McDermott, creative writing professor, Phoenix College
Marketing Plan
• Reveals the world and life of Basque-Americans
• Explores the landscape of immigration
• Deals with grief of loss and the loss of a loved one through suicide
• Reveals the world and life of Basque-Americans
• Explores the landscape of immigration
• Deals with grief of loss and the loss of a loved one through suicide
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781647791322 |
| PRICE | $18.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 224 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Jane A, Educator
White Dove, Tell Me is an intriguing and mostly gentle story of a Basque family and community in Urepel, Arizona. Place plays an important and seminal role in the story and strengthens the plot. Xapier Etxea, the young man who is the protagonist of the story, lives on a family sheep farm with his wife and new baby. Basque names play a strong role in the book, including a discussion between Xapier and his wife Idetta about whether or not to name the baby boy Ferdinand.
When Xapier's father dies in a way that may or may not have been an accident, Xapier is shocked to discover that the ranch, the strongest connection to his identity, is in danger of foreclosure. Fred, a former sheep ranch owner and family friend assumes that Xapier's father committed suicide in order to save the ranch, but the story is not so straightforward. Another character to add to the mix is Father Kieran, the local priest with a humorous bent. Xapier's friends of most of his years, Jean and Louie, and Louie's wife, Pascaline also play strong roles in identifying Basque heritage.
Jenny, Xapier's former girlfriend, is also woven into the plot. Her character seems a bit stilted, and it's difficult to ferret out her relationship with Xapier's father. The plot might have been more comprehensive without this additional connection.
The "arima" or soul of the Basques plays an important and significant role that so skillfully emphasizes what holds all the characters together. Language, culture, and the identity of the land are what build an impressive and dynamic whole. The eponymous white dove which flies into the window glass is stunned, and then joins a hundred other doves that mystically fly around Xapier only to disappear.
Thanks to the University of Nevada Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.
