How does Michael Dorris use imagery in A Yellow Raft in Blue Water?

Beautiful imagery is sprinkled liberally throughout the book making it very interesting to read for its almost lyrical tone. For example, in one scene Christine is giving Aunt Ida a hair permanent, at home, and describes the older woman's hair as "hung in a thick, coarse curtain to her waist." Further description of the same situation continues as "her skull looked too small, the way a cat's does when it gets wet." There is no question in the reader's mind as to what the author wants to impart and the visual imagery is very simple, yet powerful in these instances.