A review by ballgownsandbooks
What Was Said to Me: The Life of Sti'tum'atul'wut, a Cowichan Woman by Ruby Peter

informative medium-paced

This book is rambling and repetitive and at times confusing, and that's exactly the point. It's Sti'tum'atul'wut (Ruby Peter)'s story told in exactly her own words, as if she were telling you herself as different recollections come to her, and you can absolutely hear her voice and feel her personality coming through in a way that's much more personal than intentionally-written prose.

I have a hard time rating autobiographical work in general, and it feels even less appropriate to review this in the usual sense, given that even the 'writing style' and the flow of different anecdotes haven't been deliberately structured, but I will say that this is an incredibly important story that I'm glad is being shared. I learned so much about Cowichan ways and traditions, and there are so many lessons in Ruby's life that we can all apply to our own. The whole book is packed full of wisdom, and I highly recommend it!