A review by kawooreads
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? No

5.0

This one started slow, and then as soon as I got about halfway through and invested in the story, I accidentally hit the "return" button on Libby and had to wait 1.5 months to get it back. Getting back into the book was not difficult because the story is so unique. We are in a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream. The world powers have discovered that they are able to reclaim this ability through consumption of Indigenous bone marrow. This revelation prompts the re-opening of residential schools and governmental roundup of Indigenous people across the globe. A small band of individuals in Canada form a group and are trying to get into far the North to safety. This book shocked me, I was both terrified and heartbroken at how treacherous the journey is, so far, for this "found family". The author intricately interweaves traditional teachings, colonial history, and post-apocalyptic futurism into a believable narrative about the worst ambitions of man.   I am surprised this book is categorized as Young Adult. Even though it's told through the eyes of a teenager, it's a gritty, endearing story that should appeal to older audiences. I can't wait to read the second book as I have many unanswered questions! 
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