Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Eddie’s journal is one the central objects of power in the novel, and it symbolizes the power of storytelling and memory in Black American culture. Eddie created the journal before the events of the novel and used it to collect folktales from knowledgeable storytellers like Nana Strong. This personal project became the basis for the friendship between Eddie and Tristan, making it a key connection between Tristan’s past and present as he navigates life into the dangerous world of Alke. The journal rescues Tristan when it assumes the form of Eddie as a paper giant; this is the first indication of the protective power of stories when people confront life-threatening situations.

Having only part of the story or having one’s story in control of another can be a danger, however, a truth that becomes clear once Uncle C begins using Tristan’s story to consolidate his power and overwhelm the gods of MidPass. The resolution of the conflict between the Maafa and the people of MidPass comes only once Tristan agrees to tell the truth about the Maafa’s dark, painful past and once Tristan unmasks the role of Uncle Cotton in the corruption of storytelling.