Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice

6 reviews

kelly_e's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Title: Moon of the Crusted Snow
Author: Waubgeshing Rice
Genre: Dystopian
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: October 2, 2018

T H R E E • W O R D S

Accessible • Clever • Timely

📖 S Y N O P S I S

With winter looming, a small northern Anishinaabe community goes dark. Cut off, people become passive and confused. Panic builds as the food supply dwindles. While the band council and a pocket of community members struggle to maintain order, an unexpected visitor arrives, escaping the crumbling society to the south. Soon after, others follow.

The community leadership loses its grip on power as the visitors manipulate the tired and hungry to take control of the reserve. Tensions rise and, as the months pass, so does the death toll due to sickness and despair. Frustrated by the building chaos, a group of young friends and their families turn to the land and Anishinaabe tradition in hopes of helping their community thrive again. Guided through the chaos by an unlikely leader named Evan Whitesky, they endeavor to restore order while grappling with a grave decision.

💭 T H O U G H T S

A Moon of the Crusted Snow first came onto my radar when it was included on the Canada Reads longlist in 2023, and then it came highly recommended by several Canadian book friends, so I was appreciative when it was selected as our January book club pick. For such a short book, there is certainly lots to think about and discuss.

Set on the Anishinaabe territory, this post apocalyptic narrative was timely with eerie similarities to early pandemic life. The author purposely gives just enough detail to allow the reader the possibility of imagining the details. The writing style is incredibly accessible and the detailed descriptions of the environment really set the tone. Each of the characters felt incredibly human

The interplay between Anishinaabe traditions and history and the newfound reliance on electricity and the convivences of new technology was portrayed with careful thought and genuine detail. The quiet, chilling plot forced the characters to return to their traditions and turn to the comfort and familiarity of community - something I think every reader needs to be reminded of.

Overall, Moon of the Crusted Snow was a quick and haunting read that is perfect for the cold and dreary winter months. Despite the gore, it left me with a sense of hope and connection. Even though there was an inkling for just a little bit more, I know there is a sequel so it's quite possible that is where I will get that missing piece. With that said, I definitely think Waubgeshing Rice is an emerging talent in the realm of Canadian literature, and one I will be keeping an eye on.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Canadian readers
• upper level high school classes
• book clubs

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Evan sometimes envied the trees and black bears that could shut down for winter."

"One suicide often led to another among the young people, and the compounding tragedies squeezed the stammering heart of the reserve."

"And when it became clear to them that they were never supposed to last in this situation on this land in the first place, they decided to take control of their own destiny. Their ancestors were displaced from their original homeland in the South and the white people who forced them here had never intended for them to survive." 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

fmcphaden's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is an incredible take on the post-apocalyptic survival genre. It takes place on a First Nations reserve in northern Ontario; this cultural, historical and political context changes everything. Although it could probably be read just for plot, some basic understanding of the Anishnaabe experience with Canadian colonialism takes it from good to amazing.

(I said “it’s complicated” for diverse characters because it’s almost entirely Anishnaabe characters. Having said that, it uses the small number of white characters in a way that perfectly explores cultural conflict.)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

scorpstar77's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

talonsontypewriters's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

meaghanelizabook's review

Go to review page

dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

steelfern's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The creepiness of this book feels exactly like how winter takes hold. Slowly, and then with mounting realization that you should have been more prepared. 

For my part, I wish it had been longer. I wish we had spent more time with each character, but the tension was built so well I can't complain.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...