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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I can't say I understood or liked everything in here, but it's a book I'll be thinking about for a long time, and one I'm glad I picked up.
I couldn't connect to this book. Parts of it are pure realism, but then as the story progresses it gets more and more mystical, and lyrical in a way that made me feel only more detached from it than prose because I was not able to appreciate what it was doing. There were parts I found interesting and beautiful, like the description of the tundra, but I don't understand the overall arc and point of this novel.
I don't mind having read it, though. I picked it up in a bookstore last weekend out of sheer curiosity for the setting (the Arctic) and because of its cover, which is something I do so rarely that I can't remember the last time I bought a book that way. I almost always see something online, read about it in a paper, or get something recommended by someone before I buy it. There was something fresh about not knowing anything about a book before reading it, and even though this one didn't appeal to me, it was a good reminder to try something unknown once in a while.
I don't mind having read it, though. I picked it up in a bookstore last weekend out of sheer curiosity for the setting (the Arctic) and because of its cover, which is something I do so rarely that I can't remember the last time I bought a book that way. I almost always see something online, read about it in a paper, or get something recommended by someone before I buy it. There was something fresh about not knowing anything about a book before reading it, and even though this one didn't appeal to me, it was a good reminder to try something unknown once in a while.
The most mind-blowing, heartbreaking, phenomenal book I've read in a long time.
In 2001, I first saw Inuit art – I mean real and in person. And, I fell in love with it. It was telling a story, even though I might not know what that story was, but it was still telling a story. So, I started to read up on the culture. I developed a taste for Inuit throat singing. Eventually, I heard about Tanya Tagaq, when she won the Polaris award. I got the album. “Uja” is one my all-time favorite pieces of music. When I found out that Tagaq had a book coming out, I had to pre order it.
Spilt Tooth is one of those fictional books that may, most likely, somewhat contains some non-fiction details. It chronicles the life of a young Inuit girl as she grows to adulthood. She lives in Nunavat. Eventually she becomes pregnant.
The novel is a thing of beauty. A combination of belief, myth, storytelling, heartbreak, nature, and poetry.
There are so many beautiful images in this book – the stealing of a boy’s pants, the taking of an animal home, the foxes, the Northern Lights.
But there is harshness too because it is the North and life can be harsh. There is fear.
And the ending, oh the ending.
Spilt Tooth is one of those fictional books that may, most likely, somewhat contains some non-fiction details. It chronicles the life of a young Inuit girl as she grows to adulthood. She lives in Nunavat. Eventually she becomes pregnant.
The novel is a thing of beauty. A combination of belief, myth, storytelling, heartbreak, nature, and poetry.
There are so many beautiful images in this book – the stealing of a boy’s pants, the taking of an animal home, the foxes, the Northern Lights.
But there is harshness too because it is the North and life can be harsh. There is fear.
And the ending, oh the ending.
Beautifully written, but definitely evocative and chilling. At times I struggled to stay with the story because of the situations, but it was worth reading to the end. Definitely a book I would not normally have chosen to read, but glad I did.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Starts off strong and interesting, with poems and pictures throughout. Seemed to be about growing up in a cruel isolated society, finding strength in the self through spiritual means.
When it reaches "part 2" though, the prose collapses and turns into a series of descriptions as the spiritual parts of the book collide with reality. We are told the emotions and events in such a dry way that all the life and energy the book created is sucked out.
When it reaches "part 2" though, the prose collapses and turns into a series of descriptions as the spiritual parts of the book collide with reality. We are told the emotions and events in such a dry way that all the life and energy the book created is sucked out.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
This book is an experience. The audiobook is full of throat singing and the way it merges with the story is stunning. I did not enjoy this story but then I’m pretty sure the author didn’t intent for the reader enjoy it. I think the book did what it was supposed to do. I’m stunned.
This prose is brave, yet strange. It is confusing at times, from what is real and what is imagined. Stark images and desolate landscapes are weaved within a backdrop of the vast tundra, blinding snow, the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights of the Arctic. It is juxtaposed with snapshots of abuse, then just as quickly switches to moments of tender but heartbreaking experiences of trauma. This book is part memoir, part fiction, and definitely not for everyone. But it is a glimpse into how words through art (poetry, prose and throat singing) can release trauma. It reveals hope for the resurgence of Inuit culture, language, and traditions (and for this, I stand behind all Indigenous representation). It has its moments of true beauty, yet there are other glimpses that shock the senses. Personally, I would not attempt to read this a second time.