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fromjuliereads 's review for:
Crow Winter
by Karen McBride
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for providing me an advanced copy of this wonderful book.
What would you do if you found yourself being in contact with the trickster demigod that you heard stories about growing up? What would you do if you found out that you could contact the Spiritual world, and cross between through memories and dreams? Following the loss of her father, Hazel returns to Spirit Bear Point First Nation reserve to be with her mother and to reconcile her grief. She dreams of a crow, who tells her that he is there to help her - Nanabush, the Algonquin demigod, trickster and shapeshifter. Together they need to determine the truth about a quarry that seems to be clouded in a complicated history filled with lies and deceit.
Incredibly written, so wonderfully deep in culture and history. Seriously recommend.
I am still in awe and reeling at the beauty of this novel. I cannot believe that this is a debut from Karen McBride, as you would believe that she had been writing novels for years. I constantly found myself writing down the wonderful quotes from this book, the deep and meaningful insights into life, love, and loss that are central to this story. McBride navigates the difficult topics surrounding life on the reserve, the complicated past between the Aboriginal people and the white people in the next town, and the intricacy of grief and mourning when someone integral has passed away.
I thought that the addition of Nanabush and the Spiritual Guides was so important to the story, bringing the cultural and spiritual teachings to the forefront. The use of the language helped to remind the reader of the importance of culture and language on the reserve, and how it keeps the people connected to their people and the past. I found it a little difficult at first, but there was a guide in the back to assist with the words that I did not know. It was very useful. And the family dynamics portrayed in this book were fantastic and realistic. From a mother and daughter who have lived separate from each other for a bit and do not have an emotional relationship, to the sibling relationship that I laughed at how realistic their conversations seemed.
I believe that usually I am not supposed to share quotes from an ARC, but I just have to share this one line that made me absolutely laugh out loud and read it to family members. It is from Nanabush about the other crows around him: "They're so irritating now that they've forgotten how to speak. Their groups used to be called 'murders' because they were smart and cunning, but now I think that title is better suited to the urge you get when they won't shut up." BRILLIANT! A completely accurate sentiment.
Upon completing this novel, I immediately passed it to my mom who is also a reader. She loved it as well, and often we have quite different tastes in books. I am certain that this book could be read and enjoyed by almost anyone. My mom is even planning to use this book as a book club read with her friends, which I am quite excited about for them! I am so glad I could pass this wonderful book on to more people.
Meegwetch to Harper Collins Canada for sending me this wonderful read, and a big meegwetch to Karen McBride for writing this incredible story into existence.
What would you do if you found yourself being in contact with the trickster demigod that you heard stories about growing up? What would you do if you found out that you could contact the Spiritual world, and cross between through memories and dreams? Following the loss of her father, Hazel returns to Spirit Bear Point First Nation reserve to be with her mother and to reconcile her grief. She dreams of a crow, who tells her that he is there to help her - Nanabush, the Algonquin demigod, trickster and shapeshifter. Together they need to determine the truth about a quarry that seems to be clouded in a complicated history filled with lies and deceit.
Incredibly written, so wonderfully deep in culture and history. Seriously recommend.
I am still in awe and reeling at the beauty of this novel. I cannot believe that this is a debut from Karen McBride, as you would believe that she had been writing novels for years. I constantly found myself writing down the wonderful quotes from this book, the deep and meaningful insights into life, love, and loss that are central to this story. McBride navigates the difficult topics surrounding life on the reserve, the complicated past between the Aboriginal people and the white people in the next town, and the intricacy of grief and mourning when someone integral has passed away.
I thought that the addition of Nanabush and the Spiritual Guides was so important to the story, bringing the cultural and spiritual teachings to the forefront. The use of the language helped to remind the reader of the importance of culture and language on the reserve, and how it keeps the people connected to their people and the past. I found it a little difficult at first, but there was a guide in the back to assist with the words that I did not know. It was very useful. And the family dynamics portrayed in this book were fantastic and realistic. From a mother and daughter who have lived separate from each other for a bit and do not have an emotional relationship, to the sibling relationship that I laughed at how realistic their conversations seemed.
I believe that usually I am not supposed to share quotes from an ARC, but I just have to share this one line that made me absolutely laugh out loud and read it to family members. It is from Nanabush about the other crows around him: "They're so irritating now that they've forgotten how to speak. Their groups used to be called 'murders' because they were smart and cunning, but now I think that title is better suited to the urge you get when they won't shut up." BRILLIANT! A completely accurate sentiment.
Upon completing this novel, I immediately passed it to my mom who is also a reader. She loved it as well, and often we have quite different tastes in books. I am certain that this book could be read and enjoyed by almost anyone. My mom is even planning to use this book as a book club read with her friends, which I am quite excited about for them! I am so glad I could pass this wonderful book on to more people.
Meegwetch to Harper Collins Canada for sending me this wonderful read, and a big meegwetch to Karen McBride for writing this incredible story into existence.