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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
This was really good. Robinson's story is engrossing and the use of daily life of Jared draws the reader in. There are sections that will make you laugh, and sections, one in particular where you will sob.
Although nothing seems to work out personally for Jared, his compassion and his willingness to do dirty work put him in a caregiver relationship with most people around him, regardless of age. His mother loves him, but she and her boyfriend can barely stay sober to care for him, and his dad's family seems to see him as a teenage meal ticket.
One grandmother casts him out, claiming his true father was a Trickster, and the other grandmother lays claims on him he's not willing to pay. Help begins to come to him from supernatural sources, but Jared isn't ready to accept the hand.
The pacing of the novel may be a little wonky, but I think it helped draw me in. Although it's sort of a fantasy, the supernatural elements build so slowly you wonder if anything is really going to happen until it does! The last fifth of the novel explodes.
One grandmother casts him out, claiming his true father was a Trickster, and the other grandmother lays claims on him he's not willing to pay. Help begins to come to him from supernatural sources, but Jared isn't ready to accept the hand.
The pacing of the novel may be a little wonky, but I think it helped draw me in. Although it's sort of a fantasy, the supernatural elements build so slowly you wonder if anything is really going to happen until it does! The last fifth of the novel explodes.
A captivating story about family, first love, and discovering that you're a supernatural being. It's driven by beautifully drawn characters, it's full of satisfying allegory, and it's written in a hip, fun tone that really compliments the mythological work.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
I really loved the whole feel and structure and mood of Eden Robinson's Son of a Trickster. The writing is sassy and sharp and infused with a whip-smart humour. The dialogue — and the often crude language — is spot on. But it’s the portrait of a teenage boy doing the best he can despite the circumstances which makes it such a stunner of a read.
To read my review in full, please visit my blog.
To read my review in full, please visit my blog.
This is book 1 of a trilogy, and book 3 hasn't been published yet — which has me biting my nails as I get close to the end of book 2. This (book 1) was a very speedy, compulsive read, and it would take too much time to list all the things that are great about it. I bordered on giving it 5 stars. Mainly it's the story of Jared, a Native kid in British Columbia in the present day. When it begins, his parents are married and in love and they both adore their little boy. Things change. By the time it ends, Jared is only in grade 9 at school, but he's been through a hell of a lot. Some of which is supernatural. And I was angry that one of the review blurbs in the first few pages of the paperback gave away something that happens quite late in the book — so don't read anything about this! Unless you like spoilers.
Suffice to say the supernatural parts are mostly small and very well integrated into the tale, while at the same time being very, very important. This is who Jared is, but clearly he doesn't understand what he is, and that can be dangerous. In fact, there's a lot of danger in Jared's life, between drug-addicted family members, his mom's horrendous boyfriends, and school bullies. Jared's life is a survival story, but one filled with side-splitting humor and — can I use this word? — pluck. I think Jared might be my favorite boy hero ever.
Books 2 and 3:
Trickster Drift
Return of the Trickster
.
Suffice to say the supernatural parts are mostly small and very well integrated into the tale, while at the same time being very, very important. This is who Jared is, but clearly he doesn't understand what he is, and that can be dangerous. In fact, there's a lot of danger in Jared's life, between drug-addicted family members, his mom's horrendous boyfriends, and school bullies. Jared's life is a survival story, but one filled with side-splitting humor and — can I use this word? — pluck. I think Jared might be my favorite boy hero ever.
Books 2 and 3:
Trickster Drift
Return of the Trickster
.
Couldn’t stop reading it, loved the characters and the twists - can’t resist a coming of age story!
Robinson is so damn funny. Her stories are funny, insightful, and include unexpected twists. This is the second book I've read of hers and can appreciate why it's racked up a few prizes. I hope she writes a follow up because I'm invested in Jared now. Great, great story.
I plan to read the second in the trilogy. It kept me entertained, though it was disturbing often.