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the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition
5.0
Vet etre has an ability to write deeply flawed characters with a sense of empathy that makes the reader love and admire them. This is a unique gift, and is why her story telling is so incredible. This book is the perfect companion to The Break and should be required reading for anyone living in an urban centre in Canada. This story is equal parts challenging, painful and hopeful. I loved it
bibi003's review against another edition
5.0
Another beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful novel by Katherena Vermette. This novel details the lives of some of the minor characters from Vermette's earlier novel, "The Break," and follows their lives through a period of 4 or 5 years. Like in The Break, she moves back and forth between the women in a family and unravels their family history through their unique memories and experiences.
Again, we are dealing with some really heavy subjects here. Drug addiction, childhood sexual abuse and neglect, systemic racism and the criminal justice system, to name a few. It is hard. And so very sad. But Vermette has a remarkable ability to bring the beauty and humanity of her subjects to the forefront of the story and help us to really understand HOW and WHY these terrible things can happen. Even the most detestable characters (I'm looking at you, Margaret), she paints with compassion and deep understanding. She shows us, rather than telling us, in meaningful and personal interactions, how Canada's colonial history (and present) has impacted and hurt Indigenous people.
Again, we are dealing with some really heavy subjects here. Drug addiction, childhood sexual abuse and neglect, systemic racism and the criminal justice system, to name a few. It is hard. And so very sad. But Vermette has a remarkable ability to bring the beauty and humanity of her subjects to the forefront of the story and help us to really understand HOW and WHY these terrible things can happen. Even the most detestable characters (I'm looking at you, Margaret), she paints with compassion and deep understanding. She shows us, rather than telling us, in meaningful and personal interactions, how Canada's colonial history (and present) has impacted and hurt Indigenous people.
hiitsmecassie's review against another edition
5.0
went back to re read the first two books after finishing the third and again such an amazing book fill impactful stories
monchandtherats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
These characters are all just so human. It's heartbreaking.
melissalabelle's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
The majority of the book felt like hopelessness and despair but in a way that was necessary to tell their stories. The different perspectives were easier to keep track of in this compared to The Break. Loved the subtle nods to characters from The Break. The ending was beautifully hopeful and light which was very much appreciated.
The majority of the book felt like hopelessness and despair but in a way that was necessary to tell their stories. The different perspectives were easier to keep track of in this compared to The Break. Loved the subtle nods to characters from The Break. The ending was beautifully hopeful and light which was very much appreciated.
whatcassiedid's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
I think this would've been 5 stars if I'd read it closer to The Break but overall very good. Abolish solitary confinement, abolish prisons
stardrunk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
laurenricketts's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0