Reviews

The Strangers by Katherena Vermette

saltwatersky's review against another edition

5.0

“Addiction is nothing if not comforting. Safe. In its way, addiction is so safe. It’s something to do. A task or a calling. It’s knowing what will happen. Hope it’ll be better this time. But you also know everything that will happen. And you’re fine with it. You give in to it.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

sallyelizabeth's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

savage_sav's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

gaby_correa's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

storytale003's review against another edition

emotional sad

3.5

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

5.0

Already long listed for the Giller Prize, this had been one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 and the author did not disappoint!

This multigenerational Metis family story is full of heartbreak and resilience. Three generations of Strangers women tell their stories and the circumstances that led to where they are today.

Matriarch Margaret became a mother at a young age and also got stuck in an abusive relationship.

Her daughter Elsie also has a rough start to life, having three daughters before she’s 25 and losing one in a horrible accident. Dealing with her grief Elsie turned to drugs and alcohol which led to addiction and the loss of her surviving children.

Elsie’s daughter Phoenix we know from her earlier novel The Break and we meet again as she is about to give birth to her son in prison.

Elsie’s other daughter Cedar Sage is forced to go live with the father and stepmother she hasn’t seen in years, effectively getting cut off from the rest of her family exacerbating her depression and loneliness.

While this story is full of pain it is also full of love and the enduring bonds of family. Highly recommended and especially great on audio! Much thanks to @librofm for my complimentary ALC!! This book and its gorgeous cover hit shelves tomorrow!

⚠️alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, suicidal ideation, depression, racism and intergenerational trauma

alxdonaldson's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

miratethepirate's review against another edition

5.0

This is a Good Book. Katherena Vermette is a beautiful writer and I can’t imagine anyone else feeling differently, quite honestly.

ncrozier's review against another edition

5.0

Throughout this book, I couldn't figure out which characters I liked, and which I didn't...which I think is a sign of complex characters well done. Katherena Vermette's writing is just as strong in this book as it was in The Break.

robyndawn82's review against another edition

4.0

Heartbreakingly beautiful. This book explores generational trauma within a family system that didn’t hold anything back. Highly recommend this book.