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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
I've dediced to leave my original review below, but I want to begin this review with how I've just learned (after having finished this novella) that there is a lot of discourse in regards to Boyden's claims to his Indigenous heritage that I wasn't aware of before reading it. On one hand he got Chanie's sister Pearl's premission to write the novella, but I do not know if she approved of the final product. The things portrayed in this did happen to a lot of children, and it follows Chanie's heartbreaking attempt to get home. There are sections, however, that I wonder if they played out as portrayed. Sections I hope he got Chanie's family's premisson to write and include since this is the story of a real child. On the other hand there is a lot of anger in regards to Boyden telling stories that, seemingly, aren't his to tell. I'm not from Canada and I'm not educated enough to speak on this topic, nor are my thoughts on it the ones that should be listened to. I think it is important to listen to the indigenous voices speaking out about this topic because it is their story that is being told.
Thoughts directly after having finished the novella:
I cried angry tears reading this. The book is beautifully written, but it's absoultley gut-wrenching to read. But it's so important that people do read it, that it is read to children and that we discuss it and keep discussing it and educate ourselves and others about what happened. It gives a voice to those who were silenced and needs to be heard.
Thoughts directly after having finished the novella:
I cried angry tears reading this. The book is beautifully written, but it's absoultley gut-wrenching to read. But it's so important that people do read it, that it is read to children and that we discuss it and keep discussing it and educate ourselves and others about what happened. It gives a voice to those who were silenced and needs to be heard.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It will break your heart. Beautiful storytelling through animal imagery to tell Chanie's tale. The details are many, the story is short yet powerful. As a mother my heart broke for this child who could have been my son. I am glad his story is being told so many years later.
Wenjack intrepidly weaves words across the perspectives of each of its narrators ever so poetically. As my first real foray into the world of residential school's, I'll surely be reading deeper into the tainted history forced upon the First Nation's peoples.
sad
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
Beautiful, heart-breaking, poignant, and a far-too real, too commonplace story. Important all the same.
Recommended for: readers looking for short story about a significant time in Canadian history.
Remarks: an entertaining book but I was sometimes confused by the narrative perspectives in this novel. Each chapter is supposed to be narrated by a different animal, but I felt the author breaking that illusion throughout the piece. For me, an enjoyable read at most, but some may feel more of a connection to the novel.
Remarks: an entertaining book but I was sometimes confused by the narrative perspectives in this novel. Each chapter is supposed to be narrated by a different animal, but I felt the author breaking that illusion throughout the piece. For me, an enjoyable read at most, but some may feel more of a connection to the novel.
Powerful, moving book. Brilliantly written. The spirits of the animals cared more for Chanie than the humans.
"When the little they can collect is collected, they roll the body in a sheet and begin the trouble of carrying it out. And when it's convenient, which turns out to be weeks later, their notification to the deceased's family will be the return of said deceased in a thin casket, remains enclosed, back to his people and to his home." Pg 96
Horrifying.
"When the little they can collect is collected, they roll the body in a sheet and begin the trouble of carrying it out. And when it's convenient, which turns out to be weeks later, their notification to the deceased's family will be the return of said deceased in a thin casket, remains enclosed, back to his people and to his home." Pg 96
Horrifying.