A review by ludo_ke
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Wagamese's ability to evoke such strong emotional responses with his writing is something I deeply admire about him as an author. This read was emotionally heavy due to its graphic content depicted, and much of its implied content was enough to evoke a visceral nauseous reaction. 

It truly is vile and devastating to know of the innocence that was stripped from too many of children in the residential school systems. It's difficult to explain the full extent that this novel goes to describe the continuous and lasting effects of residential schools, but it is dealt with in such a careful and delicate manner that makes the ending all the more impactful

when we are faced with Saul reconciling with the past. His choice to reclaim his strength through forgiveness and to acknowledge the pain dealt rather than run, both metaphorically and literally, provided a really strong cathartic ending that felt hopeful and grounded.

Many of the closing passages had really resonated and it really had a beautiful ending that had brought me to tears.