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sssnoo's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Prairie Edge is a deeply emotional novel that delves into the legacy of multigenerational trauma and colonialism on two young Métis protagonists and the extended circle of people around them. At the core of the story is an act of activism - bison are relocated to city parks. However, bison are not always predictable, nor are people, leading to unintended consequences that resonate with the reader.
The characters are nuanced and complex, each having a notable growth arc during the novel. Chapters alternate between Ezzie's and Grey's perspectives; each has a distinct voice and unique challenges, which help the reader understand the conflicting interests of the narrow and broader communities in and around Edmonton.
The concluding chapters had multiple large time jumps, which left me wondering what impressions the author wanted to impart. The ending left many unanswered questions, but mostly in a good way, as it left space for me to sit and reflect on what might come.
PS - I'm working my way through books centered in each Canadian province, and this was an exceptional pick for Alberta.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.
The characters are nuanced and complex, each having a notable growth arc during the novel. Chapters alternate between Ezzie's and Grey's perspectives; each has a distinct voice and unique challenges, which help the reader understand the conflicting interests of the narrow and broader communities in and around Edmonton.
The concluding chapters had multiple large time jumps, which left me wondering what impressions the author wanted to impart. The ending left many unanswered questions, but mostly in a good way, as it left space for me to sit and reflect on what might come.
PS - I'm working my way through books centered in each Canadian province, and this was an exceptional pick for Alberta.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.
wednesday's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. It started a little slow, but then it consumed me. I loved every character. They were all so flawed and so human. Often I don’t enjoy multiple POV books, but I think it worked so well here.
The plot was very loose, but you don’t read this book to find out what happens. You read it to learn and to feel.
Prairie Edge tackled a lot of tough issues (colonialism, land back movements, child welfare systems, etc) and handled all of them with the gravity they deserve. I’ll probably be thinking about this book for a long time, and recommending it frequently.
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for the ARC.
The plot was very loose, but you don’t read this book to find out what happens. You read it to learn and to feel.
Prairie Edge tackled a lot of tough issues (colonialism, land back movements, child welfare systems, etc) and handled all of them with the gravity they deserve. I’ll probably be thinking about this book for a long time, and recommending it frequently.
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for the ARC.
leevo's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bgshoes's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
theworldtoread's review
dark
emotional
informative
tense
slow-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
violetlily13's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
emelynreads's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Prairie Edge covers a lot of topics including: colonialism, child welfare system, land back movements, roles within activism, abolition, and poverty. The exploration of activism really calls to mind Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi.
A solid dual pov novel that was darkly humorous at times, tense at others, and has lots of thought provoking, noteworthy passages.
A solid dual pov novel that was darkly humorous at times, tense at others, and has lots of thought provoking, noteworthy passages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
mackenziehammer's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
anniemackillican's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0