Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
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.
Audio book had lots of singing, very spiritual.
Melding of spirit and real word.
Child abuse.
Melding of spirit and real word.
Child abuse.
I listened to the audiobook.
The incorporation of throat singing into the poems added to the beauty and the pain.
*marked spoilers only because the throat singing was such a pleasant surprise.
The incorporation of throat singing into the poems added to the beauty and the pain.
*marked spoilers only because the throat singing was such a pleasant surprise.
Listened to most of this like đź«Ł but really unique and beautiful writing
This book is one of the strangest, most shocking and uncomfortable books I’ve ever read, especially in the audiobook version, which is narrated by Tagaq and includes “palate cleansers” of her unique style of throat singing after each chapter. It’s a novel, it’s auto fiction, it’s a fable and fantasy, and above all it is indigenous art. I am sure it will resonate in my thoughts for a long time to come.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars :)
a collection of thoughts:
-
"split tooth" kinda reminds me of "persepolis" by marjane satrapi. the memoir narrative structure is similar: "split tooth" is split between 1975 and 1982 - childhood and young adulthood; "persepolis" (at least in the eng. translation i read) is split into "the story of a childhood" and "the story of a return". deals with themes of colonialism, faith and follows a female protagonist navigating a rapidly changing world. THE ENDING IS MOST EVIDENT --> both marjane and ST's protagonist end in a painful situation with an uncertain future, as a result of their own decisions and environmental regimes. THIS IS A COMPLIMENT, THEY'RE BOTH MASTERPIECES :D
very eerie, there were times where i found it difficult to distinguish between supernatural events and the protagonist's dream states.
someone (not sure who) mentioned that tanya tagaq blurs the lines between poetry and prose, and i agree. richard siken does something similar, after reading "crush".
i found the ending a bit abrupt, but i think that suits the representation of time in the novel as something fluid and unpredictable rather than trying to squish it into a linear box.
a collection of thoughts:
-
"split tooth" kinda reminds me of "persepolis" by marjane satrapi. the memoir narrative structure is similar: "split tooth" is split between 1975 and 1982 - childhood and young adulthood; "persepolis" (at least in the eng. translation i read) is split into "the story of a childhood" and "the story of a return". deals with themes of colonialism, faith and follows a female protagonist navigating a rapidly changing world. THE ENDING IS MOST EVIDENT --> both marjane and ST's protagonist end in a painful situation with an uncertain future, as a result of their own decisions and environmental regimes. THIS IS A COMPLIMENT, THEY'RE BOTH MASTERPIECES :D
very eerie, there were times where i found it difficult to distinguish between supernatural events and the protagonist's dream states.
someone (not sure who) mentioned that tanya tagaq blurs the lines between poetry and prose, and i agree. richard siken does something similar, after reading "crush".
i found the ending a bit abrupt, but i think that suits the representation of time in the novel as something fluid and unpredictable rather than trying to squish it into a linear box.
I was in over my head with this one. Will pick it up again some day.
This book is an experience. It's poetry. It's heartbreakingly brutal. And it's worth it. Words can't do the poetry of Tanya's writing enough credit. Read the book and be enveloped in a story that will make you laugh, cry, and seriously ponder about your existence.
I was so struck by the language and sound of this story, that I sometimes forgot to pay attention to the story itself, and would have to go back and read sections again. I just know I'm going to want to go back and examine and reflect on sections again. Such a creative and unique story.