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A review by nooralshanti
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
5.0
I made a new shelf called "must-read" just for this book. It was captivating. I read it while eating, going up and down stairs, waiting in the car, and so on. I couldn't quite manage to read it while cooking, but I did try. But Indian Horse is not just a must-red because it was well-written. It's a must-read because of the history it deals with.
It is the story of an Ojibwe boy who was living with his small family in the "bush," trying to hold on to their ways and keep their children from being taken to Residential Schools. At the same time it is the story of thousands of First Nations children who were ripped from their culture and, when they tried to fit into the White Canadian culture that was supposed to be superior to their own, they came up against racism and the feeling of being outsiders. This is why I think it's a must-read, everyone should have the opportunity to understand at least a small part of that struggle.
It's also an easy read, and a coming of age story. With lots of hockey. Even if you're not a fan, you'll likely enjoy the Hockey chapters because they're presented from the point of view of the young character who finds freedom through the game. In that sense, it's not really about the sport itself, it's about finding something you excel at and honing your skills.
I would recommend it to everyone.
It is the story of an Ojibwe boy who was living with his small family in the "bush," trying to hold on to their ways and keep their children from being taken to Residential Schools. At the same time it is the story of thousands of First Nations children who were ripped from their culture and, when they tried to fit into the White Canadian culture that was supposed to be superior to their own, they came up against racism and the feeling of being outsiders. This is why I think it's a must-read, everyone should have the opportunity to understand at least a small part of that struggle.
It's also an easy read, and a coming of age story. With lots of hockey. Even if you're not a fan, you'll likely enjoy the Hockey chapters because they're presented from the point of view of the young character who finds freedom through the game. In that sense, it's not really about the sport itself, it's about finding something you excel at and honing your skills.
I would recommend it to everyone.