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A review by fmcphaden
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? No
5.0
This is an incredible take on the post-apocalyptic survival genre. It takes place on a First Nations reserve in northern Ontario; this cultural, historical and political context changes everything. Although it could probably be read just for plot, some basic understanding of the Anishnaabe experience with Canadian colonialism takes it from good to amazing.
(I said “it’s complicated” for diverse characters because it’s almost entirely Anishnaabe characters. Having said that, it uses the small number of white characters in a way that perfectly explores cultural conflict.)
(I said “it’s complicated” for diverse characters because it’s almost entirely Anishnaabe characters. Having said that, it uses the small number of white characters in a way that perfectly explores cultural conflict.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Colonisation, and Death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Suicide, Addiction, Racism, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
Minor: Classism, Cannibalism, Gun violence, and Animal death
I loved it as a reader, and jumped at the coincidental chance to bring it into my high school class. The students love it too despite finding it challenging.