My Name Is Not Easy

Luke is the central protagonist and narrator of My Name is Not Easy. He is a member of the Iñupiaq tribe, the eldest of three brothers, and devoted to his family. Luke’s real name is Aamaugak, but he changes his name to Luke for the sake of ease in pronunciation for his white teachers at his Catholic boarding school. Luke feels this change is not a choice. The novel’s title stems from this conflict. For Luke, giving up his Iñupiaq name is the same as giving up his identity; thus, changing his name in Part 1, Chapter 1 is the beginning of Luke’s sacrifice of his personhood. As the eldest brother, Luke holds himself responsible for the well-being of his two younger brothers, Bunna and Isaac. But when Sacred Heart administrators placed Isaac with a foster family, Luke’s belief in himself falters. Sacred Heart School is set up as an antagonistic force in Luke’s life. The forest, so thick it blocks the sky, is unfamiliar territory. Father Mullen hits Luke when Luke speaks in his native language.

At the beginning of the novel, Luke sees himself as unwilling to take risks because he believes that if he stands out or stands up, more punishment will ensue for both him and his brothers.