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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
For my Around the World challenge (Canada).
Wow. I had no expectations when I picked this up on the "new fiction" shelf at the library, but I noticed the Canada Reads endorsement and the blurb sounded interesting, even though Catholic residential schools and ice hockey aren't necessarily topics of interest for me. But I am drawn to many Native America writers (Silko, Erdrich, Alexie, among others) and I was curious about Richard Wagamese. And what an amazing writer he is. I was just blown away by this powerful story and the beautiful, sparse style. I read most of it in one sitting, but I know the story will stay with me for a long time. I will definitely look for more of Wagamese's novels.
Wow. I had no expectations when I picked this up on the "new fiction" shelf at the library, but I noticed the Canada Reads endorsement and the blurb sounded interesting, even though Catholic residential schools and ice hockey aren't necessarily topics of interest for me. But I am drawn to many Native America writers (Silko, Erdrich, Alexie, among others) and I was curious about Richard Wagamese. And what an amazing writer he is. I was just blown away by this powerful story and the beautiful, sparse style. I read most of it in one sitting, but I know the story will stay with me for a long time. I will definitely look for more of Wagamese's novels.
It's an easy read that takes you on a journey. Sometimes I found the prose a bit too distracting, but overall it was well written and I am happy I had the chance to read this book. I definitely has a few moments while reading it and think it's worth the time and effort. I felt connected to it.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Anyone remotely interested in understanding the human cost of indigenous residential boarding schools should read this book. Will be thinking about this one for a long time.
A powerful, compelling novel written in a clear, honest voice. I'm embarrassed to admit that I'd never heard of Richard Wagamese before. There is an urgency to his writing, and the clarity with which he tells a story is wonderful.
This is the first (and so far, only) book I've read that made me really understand the impact of residential schools. I'd known about them before, obviously, but sometimes it takes a gifted writer to make you really understand the blight that they are on our nations history.
There were frequent plot points that were so heartbreaking that I wasn't sure that I would be able to finish the book, but even at its darkest points, there is a warmth and empathy the author imbues into his characters that I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in Canadian history. It also made me appreciate hockey a little bit more (a sport I find rather unengaging). So maybe it could be snuck into people's reading diets as a hockey novel but then surprise them with its depth and writing strength.
This is the first (and so far, only) book I've read that made me really understand the impact of residential schools. I'd known about them before, obviously, but sometimes it takes a gifted writer to make you really understand the blight that they are on our nations history.
There were frequent plot points that were so heartbreaking that I wasn't sure that I would be able to finish the book, but even at its darkest points, there is a warmth and empathy the author imbues into his characters that I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in Canadian history. It also made me appreciate hockey a little bit more (a sport I find rather unengaging). So maybe it could be snuck into people's reading diets as a hockey novel but then surprise them with its depth and writing strength.
I am so glad this was on CBC's 30 by 30 list, and I think it is something every Canadian should read. I'm not even much of a hockey fan and I didn't mind how much hockey there was in this story - it was an easy read and extremely well written. A big thank you to the author for bringing a difficult part of Canadian history into reach - we should all be more aware of the impact of the residential schools and the loss of culture that went with it.
4.5* This was a wonderful eye opening and heart breaking story. I partly listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful. It's so frustrating to see the dehumanizing way different ethnicities cultures are treated and made inferior.
Wagamese is a masterful writer and this book is excellent. Very Canadian - the good and the bad. It’ll make you feel angry, sad, and also happy. You’ll especially enjoy it if you like hockey....