by Katherena Vermette
Read Feb 2022
I don’t really know what to say about this book. It is the story of multiple generations of a Metis family told from the point of view of four women/girls across three generations with points of view shifting with each chapter. These characters deal with substance abuse, resentment, neglect, discrimination, loss, and there are also hints at abuse. It is heartbreaking, depressing and frustrating. The book offers no excuse or solution to the cycle of misery these characters experience. I realized I was looking for these elements while reading but thinking back, I don’t think that was the intent of the book. I think the author merely wanted to inject some humanity into these scenarios. Among the sadness are some bright spots so hopefully in these, the reader can also find hope.