The book Walks with Spirits by Edale Lane is set the Pacific Northwest area of the United States. The book is not based on one specific Native American group. It seems like more of an overview of what it might have been like to live in a community with two-spirit people that are accepted and honored.

Walks with Spirits is a two-spirit woman, who has traits of both a man and a woman. The traits are sometimes related to the activities or work that a person does. She is an excellent hunter, who can call animals. Walks with Spirits is hoping to be a shaman eventually.

Walks with Spirits is in love with her best female friend, Laughing Brook. The two of them want to be married but a turn of events keeps them separated. Laughing Brook marries a man, Thunder Warrior. Walks with Spirits and Laughing Brook maintain a friendship although Thunder Warrior is jealous and tries to keep them from communicating. Unfortunately, Thunder Warrior wants to be in control of everything that Laughing Brook does.

Walks with Spirits moves into a home with her two-spirit friend, Two Rivers Running, who has a male body but lives as a woman. They are not in a romantic relationship but they bring comfort to the other. Both of them have been heartbroken. Two Rivers Running is one of my favorite characters. She is so kind, funny and talented,

The best supporting character, besides Two Rivers Running, is the scenery. It must have been really beautiful near the ocean and also in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. I enjoy modern conveniences but it would be nice to live off of the grid for a while.

If you are interested in Native American and LGBTQ historical fiction, then Walks with Spirits would be perfect for your next book choice. If you don’t see the beauty in diversity, then we’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

• I received an ARC from BookSirens. Please consider this post to be my honest review. All opinions are my own. Obviously.