ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Caryl Férey's New Novel 'Lakota' Explores Indigenous Culture and Mystery

publication · 2026-09-03

Caryl Férey, a French novelist, ventures into Native American themes with his new crime thriller 'Lakota,' released by Série Noire/Gallimard. The plot centers on the issue of missing Indigenous women, beginning with the discovery of Jake Crow Dog's body in the Mississippi River, which the Minneapolis police overlook. His children, Winona and Duane, embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind their father's death, taking them to Lakota reservations and exploring their roots. The story reflects on historical cycles and the fight for progress, possibly with guidance from Wakan Tanka, a spiritual entity. Férey shared insights about the novel in a conversation with Catherine Fruchon-Toussaint, which aired on September 3, 2026, through the RFI podcast 'Café Polar.'

Key facts

  • Caryl Férey's new novel is titled 'Lakota'.
  • The novel is published by Série Noire/Gallimard.
  • It is set in the United States and focuses on the Lakota tribe.
  • The story begins with the discovery of Jake Crow Dog's body in the Mississippi River.
  • The protagonist's children, Winona and Duane, investigate their father's death.
  • The novel addresses the disappearance of young Indigenous women.
  • Férey has previously written about Oceania, South Africa, South America, Siberia, and the Faroe Islands.
  • The interview with Férey was conducted by Catherine Fruchon-Toussaint and aired on RFI on September 3, 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • Caryl Férey

Institutions

  • Série Noire
  • Gallimard
  • RFI

Locations

  • United States
  • Minneapolis
  • Mississippi River

Sources