Reviews

The Strangers by Katherena Vermette

ndvdv's review

4.0

Katherena Vermette has a way with words that help you feel the emotions of the characters she’s writing about. I love all the little connections of the characters in her book the Break and this book (definitely read the Break first).

I did find this book quite heavy, especially Margaret’s character. Throughout the story, you really start to understand how the actions of one family member really affects the others, and it definitely creates a clear picture of generational trauma and it’s lasting effects. I wish there was a little bit more detail into why Margaret carried so much hate (you do get the general idea but I did feel like her story kind of just ends without any type of resolution…just anger). I also really wanted more for Phoenix’s character. Maybe that’s just my desire to have some hopefulness and that being a bit unrealistic as not everyone in real life finds hope to hold on to.

But generally I felt the story was well written, it was captivating (though not quite like the Break) and made the reader become invested in the characters.

carmanj's review

5.0

Devastating. Katherena Vermette weaves the threads of several generations of Métis women and their struggles with pain, guilt, trust, loneliness, their expectations of others and themselves... There's a lot of intergenerational trauma here so it's a bit of a tough read, but full of empathy -- a masterful balance of craft and emotion.

haileydonna's review

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Abandonment, Pandemic/Epidemic, Racial slurs, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Death, Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Addiction, Alcoholism, Abortion, Child death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

kimuchi's review

4.0

This is a spectacular sequel to The Break. The incredible drawing out of the women of the Stranger family and their stories. The symbolism of the name Stranger rings out in multitudinous ways.
It’s so good I began to resent the author for making me feel empathy towards Phoenix. I didn’t want to.
My only critique: I still don’t quite understand Margo, and her hatred.

rubynajinnah's review

3.0

Pretty good book. 3.5 stars.

teachergetslit's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

breeblah's review

emotional reflective sad slow-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

5.0

sydmceachern's review

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

egcam's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

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

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Drug abuse, Racism, Abortion, Child abuse, Child death, and Colonisation

Minor: Cultural appropriation

alisapv5's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0