Reviews with content warning for Colonisation - Daughters of the Deer

A deeply heartbreaking novel that speaks to the use and abuse of Indigenous women at the hands of the French, among other settlers. It provides a semi-biographical story of the author's ancestors during the 1650s and beyond as the French settled in the Algonquin lands

I appreciated the nuanced perspectives of Marie, who wants to keep the memory of her people alive within her family, but is forced to leave her tribe behind; Pierre, her French husband who is extremely devoted to the church and his family; and Jeanne, their eldest daughter, who is two-spirited and in love with a woman. Every perspective was so important, and all the elements of their history and beliefs feel like they made the perfect storm for everything that happens to them over twenty years time. Absolutely heartbreaking, but also eye opening, as we journey with this couple through their lives together and the hurt and pain that comes with being who they are, but also what they believe in.

We need more books like this in the world, and I'm so thankful I picked this one up. Truly, such an important read. I'm so glad that a part of this author's family history is now forever part of the world through this book.

TW: blood, religious bigotry, war, death, colonialism, racism, sexual harassment, rape, domestic abuse, injury detail, sexism, pregnancy, death, death of an animal (hunting), grief, alcoholism, alcohol, grief, lesbophobia; mentions attempted rape, homophobia, death of a child, death of a parent, suicide

Content Warnings

richy_qu33r_readzz's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.25

Gut-wrenching.
Tells the story of a woman, a family, a people and their slow imprisonment within colonialism (patriarchy, forced religion, racism, and homophobia included). A decision made for survival shapes and eventually unravels a woman’s life, but first it traps, harms, and unravels her daughter.
Perhaps needlessly violent for historical fiction, but tells the story as though it really happened and lends voice to the forgotten. Perhaps that’s a gift, it’s definitely a burden. I am left filled with rage and anguish. Do the queers only ever get to be happy in cheesy romance novels??

Content Warnings