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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An incredible book. I started reading it in the afternoon and kept going until I finished - truly excellent.
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this author’s poetic writing style, her incredible metaphors, descriptions and visuals; creating such a vivid world that felt so real and approachable to me. I could imagine myself in the scenes. The story is told through a variety of voices; all different perspectives centered around one horrible violent act. Although this is the focus, the author takes us through the history, relationships and complex inner life of each character. As hard as some of the content is, the warmth and love and tight bonds of family and indigenous identity make this a hopeful and heartwarming read. I also appreciate the grace this book has towards the characters who have made poor choices. There is an overall feeling of understanding, openness and authenticity about the human experience.. without harsh judgment. I especially enjoyed the strong, wise indigenous women-centred leads in this story, as well as learning more about the Canadian female indigenous experience as it was described in this story. This was such a good book, I will definitely be reading her other novels!
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Break is an own voices novel following a family as they experience a tragedy. it reminded me a lot of the movie Crash, there are several different narratives that come together as the story progresses. While there are many characters, each character has a distinct, unique voice, making them all easy to distinguish. The writing was fantastic and the characterization was top notch. Some of these characters do despicable things, yet you still sympathise with them (though maybe don't forgive them).
TRIGGER WARNING: rape, domestic abuse
TRIGGER WARNING: rape, domestic abuse
Even though this can be a hard-hitter, I couldn’t put it down. And I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I was thinking that a lot of people are probably tired of hearing about the #metoo movement. Maybe even men and women. After reading this achingly honest and loving homage to generations of Indigenous women, I realized that I’m tired, too. And incredulous that it’s almost the 2020’s and we are still doing this stupid dance.
I was thinking that in the ‘80’s they taught all kids about Stranger Danger. They didn’t teach about people that could come at you sideways. And then, (hopefully) the boys get to grow out of that fear. Women don’t. Like Stella, we collect stories from other girls, and then other women. What not to do. Wisdom for all the ages.
Anyway. I’m not on a soap box, I just wanted to say that this is an amazing book for both men and women; well-rounded characters, insight into small-city Canada, and from an under-represented POV.
Vermette writes from the heart, and spares no one and everyone... And we dance on...
I was thinking that a lot of people are probably tired of hearing about the #metoo movement. Maybe even men and women. After reading this achingly honest and loving homage to generations of Indigenous women, I realized that I’m tired, too. And incredulous that it’s almost the 2020’s and we are still doing this stupid dance.
I was thinking that in the ‘80’s they taught all kids about Stranger Danger. They didn’t teach about people that could come at you sideways. And then, (hopefully) the boys get to grow out of that fear. Women don’t. Like Stella, we collect stories from other girls, and then other women. What not to do. Wisdom for all the ages.
Anyway. I’m not on a soap box, I just wanted to say that this is an amazing book for both men and women; well-rounded characters, insight into small-city Canada, and from an under-represented POV.
Vermette writes from the heart, and spares no one and everyone... And we dance on...
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes