By Laura McCarthy.
Stephen Graham Jones’ latest horror novel is a spectacular, haunting tale of vampirism like you’ve never seen before.
It is written in such a way that the reader is forced to slow down to process the narrative and the complex philosophical questions which come with it. Graham Jones does not patronise his audience; as such, his address is refreshing and stands out for his unique expression.
In The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, a Native American vampire is central to the novel. This choice is steeped in thoughtful metaphor, reflecting the toxic, racist perspectives of colonialists. It highlights how Native Americans were dehumanised by these people, seen as less than them. These white colonisers considered Blackfeet as parasites feeding off what they believed was rightfully theirs. Moreover, the book expresses how Indigenous People were even viewed as animalistic and savage, as well as something to be feared and wiped out.
Graham Jones certainly criticises this perspective (a perspective which, unfortunately, is not entirely of days past), whilst also maintaining nuance in his writing. Our vampire, Good Stab, is by no means a moral character but we understand his decisions, especially those driven by vampiric tendencies beyond his control. What is particularly poignant in this respect is how his immorality ultimately pales in comparison to the human colonisers, including those who claim to be people of God.
Another aspect of Graham Jones’ version of the vampire which is interesting is how they transform based on what blood they drink. If a vampire only fed on buffalo, they would take on their characteristics and eventually become buffalo. If a vampire only fed on white people, they would become white. Again, this concept is weighted with meaning, emphasising the fear of erasure, of the loss of identity, especially as a person of Native American descent.
For readers looking for layered and powerful horror which doesn’t talk down to the audience, this book certainly bites.
Published March 2025 by Titan Books.
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