First, I read this book for two reasons: That gorgeous cover, and several extremely positive Booktube reviews. I must admit that without that amazing cover and a story told from an Indigenous perspective, I probably wouldn't have bothered, since I don't typically read contemporary novels and rarely read thriller-style mysteries. But this one lives up to the hype.
At this point, it's probably redundant to point out that Angeline Boulley is an excellent writer, but enjoyed her writing enough that I will keep my eyes open for her further works. The main character's voice is strong, the plot is intricate and well-constructed, and the pacing is mostly excellent. I am also grateful for what this book taught me about the experiences of modern Ojibway and their religious beliefs; the deep dive into these aspects was by far my favorite part of the story. And the characterizations are incredibly real: Boulley surrounded Daunis with a network of deeply real and believable characters, whom we come to love, hate, laugh with, and cry for.
My other favorite part was the ending, which I'll say little about except that it left me with all the right feelings about all the right things.
Honestly, I have no reason not to give the book five stars except that it was just a bit more harrowing than what I would normally read or enjoy. In any case, it's a brilliantly-written book and if you can cope with the darker aspects, I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings: drug use, racism, sexual assault
At this point, it's probably redundant to point out that Angeline Boulley is an excellent writer, but enjoyed her writing enough that I will keep my eyes open for her further works. The main character's voice is strong, the plot is intricate and well-constructed, and the pacing is mostly excellent. I am also grateful for what this book taught me about the experiences of modern Ojibway and their religious beliefs; the deep dive into these aspects was by far my favorite part of the story. And the characterizations are incredibly real: Boulley surrounded Daunis with a network of deeply real and believable characters, whom we come to love, hate, laugh with, and cry for.
My other favorite part was the ending, which I'll say little about except that it left me with all the right feelings about all the right things.
Honestly, I have no reason not to give the book five stars except that it was just a bit more harrowing than what I would normally read or enjoy. In any case, it's a brilliantly-written book and if you can cope with the darker aspects, I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings: drug use, racism, sexual assault