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A review by mattquann
Born with a Tooth by Joseph Boyden
4.0
I'd put off Boyden for a while after he became the subject of national controversy after his Indigenous identity was called into question. The writer of the article tagged above does a better job digging into the nuance of that situation than I'd attempt, and is worth a read if you're trying to come to terms with the Boyden situation. Personally, I try and draw a dividing line between an artist's conduct and their work. It's a bit tough with Boyden since his advocacy for the Canadian Indigenous people and his reputation were built upon his perceived heritage. I'm not sure I've reconciled my divided feelings on the man, but I knew I wanted to return to his work after really enjoying Three Day Road and being pretty moved by Wenjack.
Fortunately, all of my hesitation was alleviated when I walked into the painfully violent, dark, and emotionally volatile stories of Boyden in Born With A Tooth. Over the course of 13 stories divided into East (Labour), South(Ruin), West(Running), and North(Home), Boyden details stories of abuse, murder, the ravages of addiction, cultural genocide, and the legacy of residential schools, all set in different Ontario locations. Boyden examines reserves with an unflinching narrative eye, showing both moments of depravity and hope couched in the history of Canada's Indigenous peoples.
The eponymous story details a teenage girl who's obsession with a wolf leads to her exploitation by a visiting teacher. Men Don't Ask was the most harrowing story for me in its bleak portrayal of violence against aboriginal women. Painted Tongue is one of the few stories set in Toronto and is a heartbreaking look at a man lost to drink reminiscing about the loss of his dignity as well as his land. The weakest story of the bunch for me was Abitibi Canyon. It wasn't bad, but it didn't live up to the quality of the other stories in this collection. But it is the beautifully woven final four short stories that depict four individuals living in Sharpening Teeth after a young woman's suicide.
Boyden has become a key figure in opening the discussion about reconciliation in Canada, and his novels and short stories provide a window into a part of the nation that all too many Canadians never know. These short stories rocked me. Some were so dark that I'd have to put the collection down for days before resuming my reading. They also surprised me with moments of beauty and understanding. Even if I'm conflicted about the man, I find it pretty hard not to enjoy his writing.
[4.5 Stars]
Fortunately, all of my hesitation was alleviated when I walked into the painfully violent, dark, and emotionally volatile stories of Boyden in Born With A Tooth. Over the course of 13 stories divided into East (Labour), South(Ruin), West(Running), and North(Home), Boyden details stories of abuse, murder, the ravages of addiction, cultural genocide, and the legacy of residential schools, all set in different Ontario locations. Boyden examines reserves with an unflinching narrative eye, showing both moments of depravity and hope couched in the history of Canada's Indigenous peoples.
The eponymous story details a teenage girl who's obsession with a wolf leads to her exploitation by a visiting teacher. Men Don't Ask was the most harrowing story for me in its bleak portrayal of violence against aboriginal women. Painted Tongue is one of the few stories set in Toronto and is a heartbreaking look at a man lost to drink reminiscing about the loss of his dignity as well as his land. The weakest story of the bunch for me was Abitibi Canyon. It wasn't bad, but it didn't live up to the quality of the other stories in this collection. But it is the beautifully woven final four short stories that depict four individuals living in Sharpening Teeth after a young woman's suicide.
Boyden has become a key figure in opening the discussion about reconciliation in Canada, and his novels and short stories provide a window into a part of the nation that all too many Canadians never know. These short stories rocked me. Some were so dark that I'd have to put the collection down for days before resuming my reading. They also surprised me with moments of beauty and understanding. Even if I'm conflicted about the man, I find it pretty hard not to enjoy his writing.
[4.5 Stars]