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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
Although this isn't a perfect book (what book is?), it's a book well worth reading. It's moving, and does a good job of exploring the fault-lines between cultures. The main character is complicated and difficult and, most importantly, interesting. Although at times the author doesn't seem to trust her ability to tell this story, and over-explains, where a lighter touch might have been more effective, for a first novel is far more accomplished than most.
The relationship between whites and Indigenous people is often fraught, and who gets to tell the story is debatable. Manuel bravely walks into the fray and, as someone who has lived in Indigenous communities for decades, she is more qualified than most white people. (I'm of mixed Indigenous/European heritage and I don't feel comfortable tackling it!) Here, her focus is on what blind spots non-Indigenous people have, how and why humans delude themselves. It's thought-provoking, and an important part of the conversation on reconciliation in Canada.
I hope people will read this book. I hope they will talk about how they respond to it.
The relationship between whites and Indigenous people is often fraught, and who gets to tell the story is debatable. Manuel bravely walks into the fray and, as someone who has lived in Indigenous communities for decades, she is more qualified than most white people. (I'm of mixed Indigenous/European heritage and I don't feel comfortable tackling it!) Here, her focus is on what blind spots non-Indigenous people have, how and why humans delude themselves. It's thought-provoking, and an important part of the conversation on reconciliation in Canada.
I hope people will read this book. I hope they will talk about how they respond to it.
Technically, that was a good book but I did not enjoy it; it was just too bleak and depressing for me to really ever want to get into it. Still, I recognize that this was well-written, evenly paced, strong sense of place, deft characterization, etc. so I'm giving it 4 stars with the caveat that it is not a book for the faint-of-heart.
Thank you to Douglas & MacIntyre who were kind enough to send me this free copy for review.
Thank you to Douglas & MacIntyre who were kind enough to send me this free copy for review.
I adored this book. An excellent compelling story that engages with bigger issues of colonization, reconciliation, belonging and culture in a deep and tactful manner. Would (and will) recommend.
3.5 stars really
The second from my #20BooksofSummer list! A very strong opening, and a strong and emotional ending, it was the middle that I had a few struggles with - repetitiveness? or maybe the same story spinning around, not moving forward? I did really enjoy, there were many beautiful and poignant moments inside. Heartfelt and perhaps a melancholic ending meant a very good ending to Bernadette's story. I'd recommend for those seeking good Canadian literature.
The second from my #20BooksofSummer list! A very strong opening, and a strong and emotional ending, it was the middle that I had a few struggles with - repetitiveness? or maybe the same story spinning around, not moving forward? I did really enjoy, there were many beautiful and poignant moments inside. Heartfelt and perhaps a melancholic ending meant a very good ending to Bernadette's story. I'd recommend for those seeking good Canadian literature.