Reviews

The Break by Katherena Vermette

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euanwhosearmy's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

paulap's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.0

Even though this is sold as a thriller, it is not really one in the sense that the main focus is on the characters, generational trauma and how to deal with it. There were too many characters for my liking, so they were not as developed as it could have been. I also found the connections between characters hard to follow sometimes. But the topics explored is done great, and the writing is very good too. Enjoyable, but also there was potential for more.

the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition

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5.0

Devastating beautiful. It was a hard read, because of how heavy it was, but it was an excellent read.

arielecassandra's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jillbobagginsbookshelf's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective tense

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

bibi003's review against another edition

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5.0

I didn't LOVE reading this book because a lot of it made me feel sad. It took me longer than usual to finish because I didnt feel like reading it unless I was in a certain frame of mind. (And yes, I recognize the inherent white privelege in that statement).

I didn't love reading this book, but it is an IMPORTANT book and I am glad to have read it. Anyone who cares about systemic racism in Canada, MMIW, violence against women, and the legacy of addiction and abuse left behind by Canada's history of residential schools should read this novel and learn more about the people and families behind the statistics.

Parts of this story were beautiful - the relationships between the women in the family warmed my heart and my soul. The strength they drew from each other and the kindness and grace with which they confronted one another. I liked the way Vermette unfolded her story, changing each chapter's POV between the different characters. Each voice was unique and easily discernable from the others. I loved how the history of the older characters tied into the unraveling story of the younger characters in the present. The discussion of "passing" and the young Métis cop's (lack of) relationship to his culture was another important and interesting facet to the overall story.

Vermette is definitely a voice to watch among Canadian Indigenous Women writers. I am looking forward to reading her next novel, The Strangers.