nativeladybookwarrior's reviews
14 reviews

Solid debut. The first third of the book I enjoyed bc it gave me a look into the book's title and how its tied in with Indigenous family and community. Thes  details made me want more. But then it transitions to the plot, and I was able to foreshadow easily what had happened and what would happen next, so me thinking that was intentional, I instead looked forward to the character development but I only  enjoyed that growth with Joe. I enjoyed Joe's perspective (the brother). But Norma's POV I found myself pushing thru. I saw qualities btw to cultures, families and upbringings, which I respected and appreciated but I wish I got more POV's. I woulda loved to read on Mae, Ben, the Mom and Dad, and even Charlie. That woulda given me the depth I crave in character driven stories. But, I look forward to what this author has in store for us in the future. 

Amazing read to show how settler occupation and colonialism effects people's trauma and power on both sides of apartheid. You see the ending coming but you are still shocked and devastated by its conclusion because it's a reality. One thing about this story that had me doing is a double take was the subtle full circle of events coming unfolding on the pages. Stories like this are essential!