creolelitbelle 's review for:

Crow Winter by Karen McBride

3.0

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Moved more slowly than what I’m accustomed to, but the narrative was very good overall. I live in southern Louisiana, a land rich with Native American history, but I know little of any native cultures. Crow Winter is based on the Algonquin people who reside largely in what is now the Quebec, Ontario region of Canada. Reading of struggles natives may deal with in our modern world and how the past can affect them now was fascinating. Hazel felt relatable with her outside complex, first as a Native American college student, and then as an educated native on “the Rez”. I liked her distinct ties to home and am glad I stuck with the novel after feeling disconnected in the first but with her paternal grief. Fantasy I read is usually more strong on the magic side, but the magical realism works very well with this story. Nanabush Trickster and the grandfathers added a lot to what would’ve been a very different story, if not told by a Native American author. Now I’m wondering more about the mythology of Native Americans. Finishing this book and my new curiosity is perfect timing, as now is Native American Heritage Month.