Apple: Skin to the Core – Eric Gansworth
It feels strange to give an autobiographical story a negative review, especially when it takes courage to share your personal thoughts publicly, but after the first 25 percent, “Apple” was not as interesting as Eric Gansworth thought it to be.
Gansworth set out to tell the story of straddling two worlds, of being a Native American “apple” — a derogatory term meaning red on the outside but white on the inside — for seemingly embracing white culture more than native heritage.
These aspects of the story, and the recounting of his grandparents being sent to Carlisle Indian Industrial School for “new opportunities” (i.e. assimilation) are the strongest and most interesting sections.
Gansworth shares the info with a matter-of-fact clarity that is elevated by the poetry with which he writes. But after the initial revelations, the rest of his memoir becomes a variation of the same idea repeatedly.
Part of it could also be the high concept. It’s billed as a young adult book-in-verse, but I could never find the rhythm of the verse, nor see how this was YA as it primarily focuses on pop culture parallels (heavily on The Beatles) that many of today’s youth won’t understand. Why not just call it adult?
At one point, he expresses being more comfortable in his Batman costume than native dress, which opens a conversation into the ways white culture continues to fracture indigenous heritage in less nefarious – but still destructive – ways than boarding schools.
I wanted to learn more about this perspective and understand the ways it impacted — and continues to impact — Gansworth’s life. Whether from the concept or intended audience, the clarity shown in the first part, “Apple Records,” didn’t carry throughout.
Also, as an LGBTQIA+-identifying author, I had hoped to learn more about his experiences coming out and how that further impacted (or didn’t) his perception within the broader Onondaga and Tuscaroras communities. Outside of a few sentences that reference a partner and “different love” that’s not explored here.
While I’m walking away with a somewhat deeper understanding of nonfictional Native American experiences, I had hoped for more.
Rating (story): 2/5 stars
Rating (narration): N/A
Formats: eBook (personal library)
Dates read: November 15 – December 7, 2021
Multi-tasking: N/A
