Never Whistle at Night is a horror anthology co-edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst. Hawk is a member of the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribe and an emerging voice in Native American literature, while Van Alst is an author and academic of Lakota descent. This anthology seeks to highlight the diverse voices of Native American writers as they share stories deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. The title references a traditional belief among many Indigenous cultures that whistling at night can attract spirits or bad luck. It sets the tone for the eerie and culturally infused tales within the collection.
Each narrative in this collection of short stories offers a unique perspective on horror. The stories delve into folklore, supernatural events, and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities. Each tale is a blend of traditional beliefs and modern horror elements, which creates a chilling yet thought-provoking reading experience. For instance, in "White Hills" by Rebecca Roanhorse, a young woman named Marissa navigates a web of manipulation, identity crises, and moral compromises, where she sacrifices her integrity to secure her place in the affluent community. "Quantum" by Nick Medina examines the struggles of Amber Cloud who grapples with the bureaucratic complexities of tribal enrollment for her children with mixed blood quantum. The anthology not only aims to scare but also to highlight the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples.
The anthology has been praised for its originality and cultural richness through the quality of its stories. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Spine-tingling and suggestive storytelling…Entertaining and thought-provoking, especially in its highlighting of the lurking terrors—from intergenerational trauma to environmental destruction to toxic allyship—confronting Indigenous peoples today.”
