A review by zulm4
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious

3.5

This book tackled some interesting themes and topics, including conversation of indigenous culture and politics, and I enjoyed reading it. However, looking at the book more critically, I felt there were some flaws in the storyline. I also hated the way that Daunis leaned into the dynamic of being "one of the guys" and feeling superior than the girls who came to support their boyfriends' hockey games. It seemed that the worst thing she could be was an "angler fish" and I really would have liked to see more character growth and feminist solidarity by the end. 

It does feel very YA in the way the story develops. I just couldn't bring myself to accept how
the relationship between Jamie and Daunis was generally portrayed. It just felt extremely problematic, with Daunis not seeming to understand (or be willing to understand) the gravity of the situation. This is an 22 year old man who you do not know anything about, who planned to manipulate you in order to advance his own career. I'm glad they didn't end up together, even though it was alluded that it might happen in the future. It just made me feel so icky and I wish the author had given Daunis the autonomy and character growth to more seriously challenge and question the situation that these grown men had put her in. It wasn't just Grant who took advantage of her, it was all of the men - Ron, Levi, Mike, Jamie, etc.
This whole storyline just felt very irresponsible. 

The book also covers some very heavy themes,
including SA. Although I somewhat get what the author may have been trying to do with Daunis' character in terms of showing her growth after being raped and becoming part of an unfortunately large group of similarly abused women within her community. I just wish there was a larger analysis of the patterns and systems that perpetuate these abuses that never receive justice, rather than showing her as just another victim.


One of the book's most redeeming qualities was the conversations on Ojibwe culture, tradition, and the insularity of the tribes, even to someone who clearly has such deep connections and roots. I also enjoyed how strongly Daunis cared about her family and the many genuinely good relationships that were shown.
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