In appreciation of Tony Hillerman
By Marjorie Kehe | 10.27.08
“Tony Hillerman’s place alongside such great mystery writers as Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is certain,” wrote Monitor Book editor Jim Bencivenga in 1997. Today, as readers worldwide mourn Hillerman’s death at the age of 83, there are many who would agree.
Hillerman wrote “lyrical, authentic and compelling mystery novels set among the Navajos of the Southwest,” books that “blazed innovative trails in the American detective story,” writes Marilyn Stasio in an obituary in today’s International Herald Tribune. “Hillerman’s evocative novels, which describe people struggling to maintain ancient traditions in the modern world, touched millions of readers, who made them best sellers.”
Hillerman’s childhood prepared him well for the books that would eventually make him famous. Born in Sacred Heart, Okla., in 1925, he grew up surrounded by native Americans and their culture. Eventually he landed in New Mexico, where he worked as a journalist till the age of 40 when, restless, he decided to try his hand at writing fiction.
It was in 1970 that “The Blessing Way” was published. It became the first in a series of 18 Hillerman novels set on Southwest Indian reservations in which Lieut. Joe Leaphorn and Sergeant Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police ply their trade even as they illustrate the tension between traditional and contemporary mores.
“Jim Chee is young and savvy, but he has an educated affection for the Navajo way, with its religious rites and mythology. He also tends to be a loner on the job,” wrote Mitch Finley in the Monitor’s 1990 review of Hillerman’s “Coyote Waits.” “Joe Leaphorn, on the other hand, is a veteran cop thinking about retirement. He’s sharp, experienced, and wise to the system, but he believes in playing by the rules. And he could care less about traditional religion.”
Through Leaphorn and Chee, Hillerman introduced readers to a landscape of bold physical, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.
In defending his contention that Hillerman ranked among the greats of the genre, Bencivenga wrote that there are three reasons Hillerman’s tales of Leaphorn and Chee surpass the stories of ordinary mystery writers.
“First, Hillerman is a master of style. His sentences are as lucid, yet subtle, as sunlight in the high desert where Navajo tribal detectives Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee patrol. He creates a vivid, austere sense of place. Second, Hillerman probes the metaphysical implications of crime, religious taboo, and moral weakness in human nature. His point of view is always compassionate. He taps an innate hunger for justice and harmony. Third, Hillerman explores misunderstanding and conflict inherent in cross-cultural mores. This more than anything else sets him apart from mystery writers of his generation.”
The concluding lines of Bencivenga’s review of “The Fallen Man,” provide a lovely epitaph for Hillerman’s work. The book, he wrote, “ends in a quintessentially Hillerman manner. It satisfies the human hunger for justice. The ancient Greeks called this stasis. The Navajo call it harmony. Great literature can do no better.”
Comments
2. Greg | 10.27.08
The world is a little dimmer, with the loss of Tony Hillerman. He wrote in a vivid manner that brought not just his characters but the scenery to life. If reading is to take us to another place, Mr. Hiullerman’s writing took me to the Navajo reservation and the endless miles of arid land that Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee travelled. I could see Leaphorn’s map, covered with pins denotating crimes and reports of skinwalkers. I felt Jim Chee’s dismay when he struggled to find a way to love his girl firend, janet, and the way of life he longed for as a holy man.
Good bye, and God’s speed, Mr. Hillerman.
3. Claudine | 10.27.08
I’m not a mystery fan, but I loved reading Tony Hillerman for the love of the characters and the lessons he taught about the Native American culture and great description of the Four-Corner region. I will miss having those wonderful books to look forward to, but am happy I have them to pass on to my children. You’ll be missed, Tony.
4. Mark Barringer | 10.27.08
The news of Mr. Hillerman’s death saddens me. His books are the best you can find in the mystery genre and among the best in all of fiction - filled with a deep understand of the Navajo and of all people, yet he was never one to preach. As a librarian I found great joy in reading his work and sharing it with others looking for good books to read. I regret that the series comes to a close. I hope that Mr. Hillerman’s spirit is at peace and that, as the Navajo say, he walks in beauty.
5. Liz Starrett | 10.27.08
One summer a friend told me about Tony Hillerman’s books - I decided to try one although I was not a mystery fan - but did have an interest in Indian themes…I ended up buying every book he had written (about 10 as I remember at that htime) - and every other book since. He brought the Four Corners alive and his well-written stories intrigued, entertained, and educated - my recent trip to New Mexico is because of him alone - I had to see the area for myself - we have lost a great voice for the area’s people and traditions - I know I do not mourn alone.
6. Dide | 10.27.08
Tony Hillerman’s books were some of the very, very few I ever read, then re-read. My husband and I would anxioiusly await his latest novel, then save it to read on vacation so we could enjoy every word, uninterrupted.
Now my 16-year-old son has discovered the Hillerman novels and is indulging in them like the treasures they are–although there is no gold in the world worth as much as seeing a teen ignore all his electronic surroundings to read a great book.
Thank you, Mr. Hillerman. Hozhoogo naninace doo (a Navajo goodbye, roughly translated as ‘May you walk in beauty.’
7. Lara | 10.27.08
What a great man, and a great writer. In his books, he had the ability to describe the individual character of both places and people. I think he used that same appreciation when he saw the world. It is a blessing to have known of him and his work. He will always be an important part of New Mexico.
8. J Donaldson | 10.27.08
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Hillerman’s passing, as he may well be my favorite author. I own more of his work than any other single author, by far. However, I am also grateful and heartened by the work and legacy he’s left behind, which only served to elevate not only the mystery genre, but also the myriad of misunderstanding surrounding both the Southwest and its native inhabitants. See you on the next go-round, Mr. Hillerman.
9. Tim Sandlin | 10.27.08
I telephoned Tony cold one day when I was driving through Albuquerque. He didn’t know me, but he met me at a coffee shop (Denny’s, I think. Or Sambo’s, nothing groovy) and spent two hours talking to me and my wife. I didn’t get many words in edgewise. After two hours, he said he had to go home and get some rest because he was having an angioplasty in the morning and his wife had the flu.
That is generosity.
I miss him.
Tim
10. J. Christensen | 10.27.08
Mr. Hillerman is/was my favorite author by far. I am saddened that the series is over, but I am devastated by the loss of him. My condolences to the family and all his fans (me included). God Bless.
11. dawn | 10.27.08
i am so sadden to hear this, what a loss of a great story teller, i will forever be reading his work
12. Robin Jane Bridges | 10.27.08
I will miss Mr. Hillerman and his stories about Mr. Leaphorn and Officer Che. I work at a library and my boss told that Mr. Hillerman had died. I’ve read all of the books about Leaphorn and Che, now I’ll have go back and read them again.
Thank you for great stories, where ever you are, Mr. Hillerman.
13. Bob Price | 10.27.08
I was devastated to hear that Tony Hillerman had died. I new that he had been ill but for some reason I expected those great books to keep coming or at least that was my hope. I lived in New Mexico for many years and return there each summer for several months. His understanding of the great Navajo culture, his ability to describe the beauty of the state and his great character made for wonderful books. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee came alive as real people. In fact, I have read that fans have even visited northwest New Mexico asking if anyone knew them. Many times while in Albuquerque, I thought about calling him just to say hello but never made that call. Today, I have a real sense of loss.
14. Penelope Marcus | 10.27.08
I was first introduced to Tony Hillerman when I came with my family from England to New Mexico for a holiday in 1994. I’d asked a friend what I should read and she recommended Tony Hillerman. I bought as many as I could in the UK, and once we had left Santa Fe started using the books as guides to monuments and landscapes. As the driver, I never explained why we were driving along such seemingly remote roads or seeing monuments from particular viewpoints. I remember very early one evening coming to a dirt-track that I recognised had been used by Leaphorn and Chee, and I was on the point of driving down it. My husband said ‘We’re not going down there - we’re not a four-wheeled truck.’ I said something about it being regularly used by Leaphorn and Chee, but my husband replied ‘But I bet they aren’t in a hired car from Albuquerque with two young kids.’ Reluctantly I had to give up.
I buy Tony Hillerman’s books as soon as they are published and lend them to no-one. They remind of a wonderful holiday, and a place and culture that I long for and can explore, now that my kids are grown-up
15. S. Smoter | 10.27.08
I stumbled onto these novels while browsing the library shelves and I’ve been hooked since. The beauty of Mr. Hillerman’s diaglogue, phrasing and his gift of descriptive narrative gave me (gave us all) the ability to transport into the southwest through his books. I am so very saddened by his passing. I’d hoped that Jim and Bernie would next start their family… these and the other wonderful characters are now also finished with the stilling of Tony’s pen.
16. tom burton | 10.27.08
Mr. Hillerman brought a part of Americana alive to many of us who would not have the chance to experience it. He entertained and educated his readers in a way that truly enriched our lives. Leaphorn and Chee will live a long, long time.
17. Marilyn | 10.27.08
Other folks have already given all the reasons I will miss Mr Hillerman and his writing.
I have loved his books since I discovered them.
R.I.P., Tony. We’ll miss you a lot.
18. Mary Ellen | 10.28.08
I always intended to write to Mr. Hillerman to tell him how much I enjoy his books. Now I learn that I have waited too long, and I can only thank his family for the pleasure his books have given me. He wrote with love of the country I love, and he wrote of men I wish I could have known.
I cried for Joe Leaphorn when he lost his Emma, and tonight I cried again. May Mr. Hillerman’s family drown their sorrow in their many years of memories. We, his readers, will feel our loss afresh each time we enter a bookstore.
19. Sue Schneider | 10.28.08
The world is a smaller place today now that Tony Hillerman has died. I have read (and own) all of his Chee/Leaphorn mysteries and a few of his other books, I was introduced to Hillerman in 1984 at a grocery store in Kayenta on the Navajo Nation. We had stopped to pick up a few things ( we were camping and on our way to Moab) and I saw The Blessing Way in one of those stands by the checkout. I asked the cashier (a Navajo) about the book and she said to get it. So I did, and was hooked. That was the start of my reading of Hillerman’s books. When I read the novels I could see the Nation and remember our trip through the Nation - I knew some of those roads, and the rest were created for me by Mr. Hillerman’s writing. I think I will start reading them again today. Thank you Mr. Hillerman for your appreciation of a people and a place.
20. Aminah Yaquin Carroll | 10.28.08
Tony Hillerman’s work compelled me to work in New Mexico’s lovely Navajo -Hopi-Zuni region, not once but severally…the transplant to my heart’s catharsis were complete, but the danger to my farm animals of relocating, and perhaps some karmic “fall-out” prvented me from relocating. Nonetheless, I have Hillerman and his conciousness-raising to thank for the eternal love for “Indian Country” and its people, which is sustained in me by the thrall of place he invited in me .
21. Lila Jean | 10.28.08
Someone gave me one of Mr. Hillerman’s books several years ago even though he knew I didn’t like mysteries. I read it in case he asked me qustions about it and soon began looking for his books the library and book stores. He is gone to the but Leaphorn and Chee will live forever. I am going to reread his books in honor of his life and appreciation for the pleasure his books gave me.
22. Lori Tarwater | 10.28.08
I love the four corner region, but was never a big mystery reader. My mother, who loves mysteries, gave me several of Tony’s earlier books to read. I was hooked. I bought all of his back list. I loved the way he melded indian mysticism with modern day. The way he described the area, made me feel like I was right there with Leaphorn and Chee out in the desert or in the mountains.
I would eagerly await his new books. He is my favorite author. The world has lost a great man. He will be sorely missed.
23. Dan Allen | 10.28.08
I am not sure when I started reading the Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn Mysteries. I would like to take them on vacation, relax and get lost on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico hepling Joe and Jim solve the case at hand.
I will play an audio CD of one of Tony Hillerman’s books when I am driving to keep me company. Thank You Mr. Hillerman for the wonerful ride. You will be missed.
24. John Comeaux | 10.28.08
Please remember his book, “Finding Moon” which was a compelling book about the Vietnam Era and how an ordinary guy found himself in extraordinary circumstances, and rose to the occasion. In it, one scene stands out in my mind - the main character finds himself in a Filipino church, and to escape the hubub and collect his thoughts, ducks into a quiet confessional. There, he begins a surprising dialog with the young priest. In this book, the priest is treated with respect. Don’t have time to say more, but read “Finding Moon”.
25. larry lynch | 10.28.08
I will miss Tony & the officers Leaphorn & Chee. They, all 3, are part of Navajo & American folk-lore.
26. Jim Bencivenga | 10.28.08
I had the pleasure of interviewing Tony Hillerman three times. Here’s two vignettes he shared with me.
How did he start to think on the Indian side of experience. Easy. He was 6 years old living on a reservation in Oklahoma (that’s 1931 in the middle of the great depression). When he would play cowboys and Indians with his older native American friends, they wanted to be the cowboys and he had to be the Indians. “They wanted to win,” he told me.
The other vignette, and he chuckled softly in telling it. He would get letters and phone calls from women who would say. I have a daughter and she’d make a great wife for Jim Chee, please give him her phone #. Or, I’m a widow Please tell Joe Leaphorn I would take care of him.
Of course his characters were fictional - but these letters and phone calls showed how his writing touched hearts.
27. MiMi | 10.28.08
My heart stopped a bit when a friend sent me Tony Hillerman’s obit. I did not know. I felt sad that he was gone but even sadder for myself as there will be no more Tony Hillerman’s. RIP, dear man, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
28. Pam G. | 10.29.08
I too found his novels in the library years ago. Since then I have read all of his Chee/Leaphorn novels. I grew up in the southwest (transplanted to the NE now) and I felt he really captured the ‘feel’ of what it is like to live out there on the lonely prairies. I did not realize how old he was and was surprised to see he had passed away. He had a wonderful touch. He will be missed.
29. Kenny Lin | 10.29.08
Tony Hillerman has been my favorite author since I read “Coyote Waits” as a 15 year-old. Before my birthday a few years back, my wife secretly wrote him a letter about my own love of writing (I’m a family physician and medical editor), and he wrote back in time for her to present it to me on that day. Later on, I sent him an e-mail and he responded that whatever insight (long forgotten) I had provided had given him the determination to keep going on his latest (and sadly, last) Chee and Leaphorn novel. God Bless, Tony. We’ll miss you!
30. pelikan | 10.29.08
everything that has been said here - and more -
but I for one was most moved by his tolerant but saddening references to how the “white man” - settlers, gold hunters and army - treated the Navaho - my wasp self is mortally ashamed for what was done - for what american lost -
today would we not speak of genocide ?
31. Gene Lee | 10.29.08
My wife and I discovered the Leaphorn/Chee books on a trip to Albuquerque several years ago and was hooked. Since then we have all the books and audiobooks. Mr. Hillerman’s book Navajoland goes with us on every trip to New Mexico, you can trace the storylines as you listen to the books. We live about 25 miles from Sacred Heart and drove by yesterday to say goodby at his beginnings. Thank you Mr Hillerman and we will miss you, and God bless your family.
32. Kristi Jalics | 10.29.08
I have loved the books of Tony Hillerman since discovering them in the 70s and have immense gratitude for the gift he gave us all with his wonderful characters and stories and insight into Navajo culture. I heard that he continued writing every day to the end of his life, and I am not surprised. He was a wonderful American writer and will be missed.
33. Joanna Taylor | 10.30.08
I met Tony Hillerman in Salt Lake when he came to address a library convention at a big hotel. A group of dignitaries had gone to the airport to fetch him, but he caught the shuttle bus and just walked in to the lobby of the hotel and I had my opportunity to talk to him. His brother Barney had just died and he talked about him and how they liked to go pheasant hunting together. Soon people noticed him and wondered how I had had the opportunity to visit with the great man.
34. David Piper | 11.11.08
11/11/08/ With great sadness, I’ve just learned of the passing of Tony Hillerman, an author I discovered only a couple of years ago, but one that I obsessively read until all the Leaphorn and Chee stories were read at least once, if not more. What a great man and what a wonderful writer whose respectful and enlightening focus on the Navajo people and reverence for their land and spirit, absolutely transcended normal mystery genre. As a reading lover, I feel poorer now with his loss, but very much enriched from the enjoyment I received from Mr. Hillerman. You will be very much remembered and missed.
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1. Ern | 10.27.08
Here’s my ammusing Tony Hillerman annecdote:
Back in the 90’s I was working in a little independent bookstore. One night, this elderly gentleman walks up to the counter and asks me if we have the new Tony Hillerman book. I point him towards the ‘Best Seller/Fiction’ rack. He comes back with all 5 copies of the new Hillerman book, plops them on the counter and asks me if I want him to sign them all.
I say, “I don’t know. Are you Tony Hillerman?”
He says he is. But before I let him start signing books, I looked at the author photo on the back flap of the dust jacket just to be sure.
He enjoyed a good laugh and signed every copy of every Tony Hillerman book we had in the store.
I’ve never read any of his books,(I prefer history over mystery) but he was a really nice guy. A complete gentleman who was able to take my ignorance of who he was with a laugh.