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nic_literarylair 's review for:
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands
by Kate Beaton
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
In "Ducks" by Kate Beaton, the memoir takes readers on a compelling journey through the harsh landscapes of Canada's oil sands and the tumultuous world of its workers.
Beaton delves into her experiences as a female laborer in an industry heavily dominated by men, where the male-to-female ratio often reaches an astounding 50-to-1. She depicts the dehumanizing reality of a workplace rife with misogyny and sexual harassment. Through her lens, we witness the isolation, the objectification, and the constant struggle for dignity in a culture that often treats women as commodities.
Beyond the personal, "Ducks" sheds light on the broader implications of the energy industry, using animals as poignant metaphors for the human toll of these businesses. The book unearths a culture that grinds down workers mentally and emotionally, often leading them to seek solace in substance abuse. Beaton's empathetic exploration of camp life within the Alberta oil sands forces us to confront the hidden human wreckage behind the industry's facade.
"Ducks" not only highlights the personal trials of its author but also serves as a stark reminder of the broader societal impact, particularly on Indigenous communities whose lands have been exploited and whose people have been poisoned. Beaton's storytelling evokes empathy, urging readers to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of progress and profit.
Beaton delves into her experiences as a female laborer in an industry heavily dominated by men, where the male-to-female ratio often reaches an astounding 50-to-1. She depicts the dehumanizing reality of a workplace rife with misogyny and sexual harassment. Through her lens, we witness the isolation, the objectification, and the constant struggle for dignity in a culture that often treats women as commodities.
Beyond the personal, "Ducks" sheds light on the broader implications of the energy industry, using animals as poignant metaphors for the human toll of these businesses. The book unearths a culture that grinds down workers mentally and emotionally, often leading them to seek solace in substance abuse. Beaton's empathetic exploration of camp life within the Alberta oil sands forces us to confront the hidden human wreckage behind the industry's facade.
"Ducks" not only highlights the personal trials of its author but also serves as a stark reminder of the broader societal impact, particularly on Indigenous communities whose lands have been exploited and whose people have been poisoned. Beaton's storytelling evokes empathy, urging readers to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of progress and profit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Drug abuse