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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
SOOO glad I finally picked this one up. It was really, really good guys! For fans of Eden Robinson or Cherie Dimaline. This debut novel by Algonquin Anishnaabe writer Karen McBride was thoroughly entertaining. Hazel has come home to the Spirit Bear Point First Nation to help her mother organize her father's funeral arrangements. While home she is also contacted by Nanabush, a supernatural crow/Trickster character trying to win the favor of the gods and become human again. To do so he must help Hazel with her grief, which also involves getting to the bottom of a land rights mystery. A fantastic blend of fantasy and mystery steeped in real Canadian history and so many funny Disney Pocahontas references!! Highly recommended and great on audio!
What I loved: the descriptions of Rez life, the use of Anishnnabemowin words, the way Nanabush and other Algonquin beliefs take on real space and lend meaning to the story. What I liked: Hazel as a character - flawed, confused, and just trying trying trying to get her head wrapped around things; her friendships; her mom. What was only so-so: I felt like the main issue - the development of the mine - was a bit of a weak link to hang the story on. I’m not sure I really bought Hazel’s father’s actions and I would have liked the need - the reason Nanabush returned! - to be more powerful. I mean, surely other people noticed the power throughout the years, right? Nonetheless, the rest of the story was great & I especially liked the atmosphere and tone of the novel.
January 2021 book club pick. Loved the interconnectedness of the spirit world and the world around us. Hazel and Nanabush teach us about the importance of honour and protecting our land for generations to come.
A solid offering, although I feel sure it will end up being assigned in high school English classes to kids too young to relate to it and the essays they’ll have to write will ruin it for them.
My biggest criticism is that I kept waiting for Nanabush to act the trickster and he never did, really . And it would have been stronger without the epilogue.
My biggest criticism is that I kept waiting for Nanabush to act the trickster and he never did, really . And it would have been stronger without the epilogue.
writing fell short for me but the author has a beautiful way of seeing nature. could make a good picture book.
This is one of my favourite books this year. It mixes the Anishinaabe story of the trickster, Nanabush, with a story of grief, family drama, Anishinaabe traditions and mystery. It is wound up with a tight writing style which keeps the characters growing and the plot moving.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Xenophobia, Death of parent
There is a situation that mirrors or appears to be a suicide attempt. It's clear to the reader that it isn't the intent of the character, but the scenario could be triggering.
June book club selection. Very simplistic from start to finish - which worked well for conveying some of the nature, mythology and cultural elements but which really under served the character and plot development.