Scan barcode
lilacs_book_bower's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-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
3.75
Believe it or not, but this is a compliment: I almost DNF'd this book; the apocalypse felt too real, and I was uncomfortable. I even had an unsettling dream about this book. In this tale, we are following Evan, primarily, who lives on a Anishinaabe reservation in Ontario as winter is approaching. Then they lose power, internet, cell service, food deliveries, and diesel fuel. The community finds itself cut off, and then a white man/stranger comes and disrupts things. I actually found the second half a bit disappointing. It felt like we were getting bullet points of the story and we never see the white man's machinations, other than at one brief party. I don't know that we need it spelled out, but I would have liked to see more of him being the villain, rather than just being told he is corrupting people. I also found the characterization to be a bit shallow, but maybe they are meant to be types, more than people? There are definitely some good points made about survival, the destruction that white supremacy/colonization has caused to the indigenous people, and maintaining close ties with one's community and beliefs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Classism, Murder, Colonisation, Gun violence, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Violence
fmcphaden's review against another edition
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.)
(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.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Colonisation, and Death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Suicide, Addiction, Racism, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
Minor: Classism, Cannibalism, Gun violence, and Animal death
I loved it as a reader, and jumped at the coincidental chance to bring it into my high school class. The students love it too despite finding it challenging.aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Overall a solid, atmospheric read. I would def read more from this author.
It was overall quick, but for me, slow to start. I loved the premise and loved the way the dreams people had foreshadowed the story throughout. Also enjoyed the focus on how a First Nations community dealt with an apocalyptic situation since we usually get big city, white people POVs.
I wish we had a little bit more on the motivation of the first stranger arriving at the community and how the community dealt with the aftermath. But I did enjoy the focus on community traditions and the social commentary about how first nation's/indigenous peoples are treated today.
It was overall quick, but for me, slow to start. I loved the premise and loved the way the dreams people had foreshadowed the story throughout. Also enjoyed the focus on how a First Nations community dealt with an apocalyptic situation since we usually get big city, white people POVs.
I wish we had a little bit more on the motivation of the first stranger arriving at the community and how the community dealt with the aftermath. But I did enjoy the focus on community traditions and the social commentary about how first nation's/indigenous peoples are treated today.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, and Animal death
Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Blood and Cannibalism
More...