Reviews

Seven Generations: A Plains Cree Saga by David A. Robertson, Scott B. Henderson

ashleyreadstoomuch's review against another edition

4.0

I found this deeply moving.  The story was well structured, and it was also heartbreaking.  I loved how it was illustrated and how the story was depicted.  Definitely worth checking out, but definite trigger warnings for suicide and abuse.

tangleroot_eli's review against another edition

An economically told and beautifully drawn exploration of the physical and psychological scars inflicted on one Plains Cree family by centuries of white supremacy, and how they begin to come back to themselves.

spencerbmiller's review against another edition

4.0

I really got into the epic scope of this story. It was interesting to see this story unfold across so many generations.

taketwolu's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

 As the first of a series, this short graphic novel follows Edwin, an Indigenous young man who attempts to end his life. At the hospital, Edwin’s mom shares about their family’s past and how it has shaped them. We learn of his ancestor Stone, who sets out to avenge the death of his brother, Bear, after a Blackfoot raid. Despite the dark circumstances, this story has a hopeful and reflective outlook on life. We get a glimpse into the family bonds and traditions shared amongst the community which instills a sense of purpose. Overall, a quick but interesting read! 

juliastimpson's review against another edition

🟩

meritukki's review against another edition

4.0

4.5

natakat's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

 I wish this graphic novel had existed when I was a young teenager. I grew up completely naïve of the traumatic relationship that Indigenous peoples have had with the Canadian Government and I didn't learn about residential schools until I was 19. I think that this graphic novel is a great introduction to the topics of generational trauma and residential schools for young teenagers, and should be available in schools along with a more detailed curriculum of this Canadian history. 

noreadingdegree's review against another edition

4.0

CW: suicide, self harm, child abuse, child death

A beautiful and heartbreaking story of a mother trying to heal her depressed son through the voices of his ancestors.

meepelous's review against another edition

3.0

Read as part of Indigenous Comic Book Month 2017.
Art was a tad bit distracting, but not any more rough looking then a number of indie manga I read last month.
While this felt like a good narrative explanation for inter-generational trauma, my limited experience left me wondering why Robertson references 7 generations in the title. While he does cover 7 generations, this does not seem to (again in my limited experience) relate to the 7 generations teaching or 7 grandfathers teaching, which confused me a bit. Although I am likely just being rather silly and ignorant and 7 is just a significant number. Since this does come across as a teaching tool, I did feel like this detracts a bit from the overall experience but also inspires me to seek deeper.

michelejenn's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I don't think my opinion is even remotely important on this one, because it's an indigenous book about indigenous experiences. But what I will say is that if you're looking for a story about indigenous people in Canada by indigenous people in Canada that looks at how historical and systemic racism affects them today, this is a solid graphic novel.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

Moderate: Child death, Suicide, and Self harm

Minor: Child abuse and Drug use