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tiagoalves's review against another edition
3.0
Giving it 3 stars, even though it's more really 3,5. However, I felt it was missing something to get the following rating. Sometimes things felt rushed or even brushed over. I understand that it was its purpose, but sometimes it felt out of place or simply random. Probably will enjoy it more on a possible future re-reading.
k8atonic's review against another edition
4.0
Read this on recommendation from a friend who is a lover of all things CanLit ... So glad I did, as it's completely different from books that I normally am attracted to. I found the book's use of circular time and Magic a fascinating way to portray the chaos and violence of the lives of the two brothers. Loved the liberal use of Cree - I could hear the sounds of that beautiful language in my head as I read the words. The description of life in the bush and the cultural practices and beliefs made me mourn the way of life lost to European genocide.
It's not an easy read. The subject is difficult as was following the plot as it skipped from mythology to reality and every combination in between ... But I enjoyed Highway's writing style and imagery.
It's not an easy read. The subject is difficult as was following the plot as it skipped from mythology to reality and every combination in between ... But I enjoyed Highway's writing style and imagery.
rtansey's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
cheyennesnats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
samwest113's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
likeaduck's review against another edition
4.0
Tomson Highway's first novel, a story of two Cree brothers from northern Manitoba who are sent to residential school and subsequently to high school in Winnipeg before eventually forging careers in the arts while navigating the fallout from their experiences at the school, their relationships with religion and each other's lifestyles, and the business of life and death. The writing is beautiful: the feel of childhood and family stories distorted and mythologised by frequent retellings is lovely, and the incorporation of mystical figures, dreams, and events into the usually-mundane run of modern life is very elegantly done. The first two-thirds of the book are great, though the narrative focus seems to waver toward the end and the book is not nearly as tightly woven in its ending as in its beginning. (Also very tragic, which I suppose is unavoidable as the book is, to my understanding, somewhat based on real events.)
biblizo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Gore