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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
I really didn’t much enjoy the first part of the book but it was definitely more interesting in Part 2. I think there was a lot I liked in the book like it centering missing indigenous women, many great lines and the use of legends but I think the execution of the story fell flat for me overall. The switching timelines in the first part weaken the story in my opinion and just made it feel fragmented. I didn’t find the characters to be particularly compelling and a lot of the more emotional lines and moments just ended up not being super impactful for me but I appreciate what the author was trying to do.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
Not everything in this worked for me but I appreciated the characters and the message about missing and murdered indigenous women.
I want to enjoy this book, but the narrative style of both overwrought explanations, long winded descriptions and non linear storytelling bored me. I will be seeking out other indigenous fiction. MMIW is such an important topic, especially in the wake of last week (it's only been a week).
tense
medium-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
Initially, I was a bit confused by the "timeline" of "Sisters of the Lost Nation". Once I figured it out, it served to drive the story to its powerful climax. It also generated intense feelings as I read, knowing more than the characters did. As powerless as I felt, unable to stop the bullying, the rebellious and reckless behavior, and ultimately the disappearance of more than one member of the Takoda Reservation, the strength of Anna, and her unwavering belief in the old ways of her people as a means of healing kept my anxiety in check.
Anna is an unlikely heroine, as she is constantly harassed by her sister, fellow students, and many adults in her life. Yet she has a reservoir of strength, thanks to the importance of storytelling and her belief that her community is stronger when they remember the people and the teachings that have come before them. Throughout this novel, those beliefs even allow Anna to heal herself, becoming a more confident and able young woman as a result.
Sisters of the Lost Nation effectively addresses many important issues that affect Native Americans - racism, addiction, sudden influx of wealth, missing/murdered women, and cellphones vs. oral storytelling. The only "horror" I would associate with this novel, is the bad treatment many indigenous people still endure. We learn that sometimes, the answers we seek are no further away than a book on a forgotten shelf. Simplistic? Not when you consider that storytelling is about problem solving.
Anna is an unlikely heroine, as she is constantly harassed by her sister, fellow students, and many adults in her life. Yet she has a reservoir of strength, thanks to the importance of storytelling and her belief that her community is stronger when they remember the people and the teachings that have come before them. Throughout this novel, those beliefs even allow Anna to heal herself, becoming a more confident and able young woman as a result.
Sisters of the Lost Nation effectively addresses many important issues that affect Native Americans - racism, addiction, sudden influx of wealth, missing/murdered women, and cellphones vs. oral storytelling. The only "horror" I would associate with this novel, is the bad treatment many indigenous people still endure. We learn that sometimes, the answers we seek are no further away than a book on a forgotten shelf. Simplistic? Not when you consider that storytelling is about problem solving.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced