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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I’m always a little hesitant when reading magical realism because I find it can be a little lacklustre sometimes. That was FAR from being the case however with Crow Winter. It was the perfect blend of Canadian First Nations mythology and ongoing current Indigenous issues. The author mixed the two together to create the most magical and captivating story that I just couldn’t put down. My favourite part by far was the interactions with Nanabush them self. I found myself anxiously turning the pages until the next time they appeared, always eager for more. I also really loved how the author featured so many different aspects of Indigenous culture, from sweats to mythology to land rights to Rez life to language, this book had it all and I found myself learning so much. My only minor complaint is that I found our main character so dry, she never came fully to life for me and I was a little disappointed by that. I wanted to know her more deeply than we were able to. Other than that, this story was just absolute perfection.
emotional
hopeful
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
I liked this book a lot. It's about serious topics (the death of a parent, stolen land) but has a fast-paced and lighthearted tone. I loved the main character’s relationship with her mom and her best friend. In some places Hazel seemed kind of immature for her age (her first meltdown about the mine felt kind of YA to me) and a few things in the ending wrapped up maybe a little too neatly, but overall I would recommend this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation
Moderate: Racism, Suicide attempt
Minor: Cancer, Racial slurs, Medical content, Gaslighting
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Fulfilling the pompt "A associated with a time of the year" from the 'Around the Year in 52 Books' Reading Challenge.
3.5
A touching story of family, grief and tradition, very allegoric and with some beautiful imagery. Even though they are about two different cultures (Anishinaabe in eastern Canada and Haisla on the West coast), comparisons to [b:Son of a Trickster|38237504|Son of a Trickster (Trickster, #1)|Eden Robinson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529062861l/38237504._SY75_.jpg|50729928] are inevitable and don't necessarily work in Crow Winter's favour, Robinson being a more experienced writer.
A solid debut that occasionally needs a bit more polish.
3.5
A touching story of family, grief and tradition, very allegoric and with some beautiful imagery. Even though they are about two different cultures (Anishinaabe in eastern Canada and Haisla on the West coast), comparisons to [b:Son of a Trickster|38237504|Son of a Trickster (Trickster, #1)|Eden Robinson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529062861l/38237504._SY75_.jpg|50729928] are inevitable and don't necessarily work in Crow Winter's favour, Robinson being a more experienced writer.
A solid debut that occasionally needs a bit more polish.
I love how this story was told. The dialogue is so natural and real and really immersed me into their lives. The atmosphere was perfect, and the blend of the real and the spiritual was well balanced. She absolutely nailed the feelings of loss and grief and the emptiness a person is capable of feeling (and filling). Really solid work.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Genocide, Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism
While there were things I enjoyed about this book, over-all I found it a bit flawed. Mostly, I found the writing kind of clumsy. It’s the first work of a younger writer, and I could tell. The plot and characters kept me going, although I also felt that it jumped around somewhat in terms of style. Part mystery / part mystical, spiritual exploration and not 100% satisfyingly. It will be interesting to see what comes next from this writer.
Edited to add: I would still recommend this as a worthwhile read, even if it’s not my favourite book I read this year. I think we need to support and encourage Indigenous writers and I suspect this writer will only get better and better.
Edited to add: I would still recommend this as a worthwhile read, even if it’s not my favourite book I read this year. I think we need to support and encourage Indigenous writers and I suspect this writer will only get better and better.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A book presenting a different take for me on the Nanabush/Trickster character. Winter told a great story about a young woman confronting and then coming to terms with her grief while digging into the past to correct a colonial swindle that threatens her world.
I really enjoyed reading about Hazel Ellis's return to the reservation. The detailed description of the sweat lodge was fantastic! Looking forward to more from Karen McBride.
I really enjoyed reading about Hazel Ellis's return to the reservation. The detailed description of the sweat lodge was fantastic! Looking forward to more from Karen McBride.