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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
Beautifully written and captivating book about white ppl living in First Nation communities in the bush. I think it’s important to distinguish that it’s not exclusively about First Nation communities in the bush because it’s written by a white person and the fictitious (but def based off author experiences) narrator is white. That being said, the author includes honest and poignant considerations of settler colonialism, “users, runners or saviors,” and paints a very believable picture of life off the grid post-residential schools and burning of the Indian Act. As a white person that’s been a “user” (fishing in Bristol Bay), the author’s grappling of their role in the community hit home for me. I loved hearing stories based on BC community stories.
Bernadette is a nurse in a remote outpost bordering a First Nations community on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She is retiring after 40 years among this community. But, before she leaves, she must train her successor, find a way to say good bye and help the community come to terms with the disappearance of Chase Charlie.
This book is emotional raw - both the joy and the sorrow feel real and closer to home than I often find in the written word. The author captures the political and social issues facing Canada as we try to come to terms with a history of racism.
This book is emotional raw - both the joy and the sorrow feel real and closer to home than I often find in the written word. The author captures the political and social issues facing Canada as we try to come to terms with a history of racism.
This book is the most accurate fictional representation of modern day life in a NuuChahNulth village that I have seen. I live just south of where Jennifer spent her time, in Kyuquot, and she hits the culture, society and community on the head. As an outsider muumathni myself, I have felt so many of the emotions Bernadette experiences. The yearning to belong yet nagging sense that maybe she doesn't. The integration of NuuChahNulth culture and language was skillfully done and it is evident Jennifer knows the culture well.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I would say the story is compelling and I learned a lot but I found myself drifting at parts
A pretty good book honestly I just don't think it was the right moment for me to have read it.
This is a lovely, lovely book about belonging and reconciliation.
I was in a bookstore in Victoria and asked for a recommendation for a book that reflects the culture of Vancouver Island. They nailed it with this recommendation. The story is gut wrenching and unputdownable.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Story about a nurse, Bernadette, who is about to retire from 40 years serving as the nurse for an outpost. The story weaves memories of the past along with the story of her transition to retirement, and as a man has gone missing from the reserve. Enjoyed the many cultural insights.