Category: trauma

Prairie Edge – Conor Kerr

This gritty story by Mr. Kerr is reminiscent of Katherena Vermette‘s great writing, and so a trigger warning could have been utilized. Isadore (Ezzy) Desjarlais and Grey Ginther are distant Metis cousins living in and around Edmonton, and candidly they are very flawed characters. Bison are stolen from Elk Island Park and released into Edmonton’s river valley, bison representing the past before colonialism. And there are other criminal acts. Powerful writing provides a biting critique of modern activism. The abysmal foster care system and subsequent substance abuse are also key elements. This is a novel that is both triumphant and tragic, so highly recommended (thanks Amy, for this book).

Witchcraft For Wayward Girls – Grady Hendrix

   Simply put, this is a powerful book. As always, the context is crucial. In 1970, Wellwood House in Florida is a home for unmarried pregnant women, only these are pregnant children aged 14-15 who have been ostracized by their families and banished. They experience shame and guilt, and profound helplessness. So, what will happen when a librarian offers them a book about witchcraft? Can spells offer an alternative to feelings of being powerless? But power has a price, and every price must be paid. The story contains graphic descriptions of childbirth, so reader be warned. The misogyny and abuse directed to these girls is astonishing – highly recommended.

Wandering Stars – Tommy Orange


This is a brilliant follow-up to Orange’s There There with some of the same characters. The first part of the book is historical, the legacies of the Sand Creek massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Industrial School for Indians. Misguided attempts at assimilation by governments and adoptions are devoted to the eradication of Native history, culture and identity. The next section of the book entitled Aftermath is even better, detailing the brutal reality of contemporary life in Oakland for two grandmothers and their three grandsons. When is life more than surviving?

This book is both shattering and wondrous – highly recommended.

Maureen – Rachel Joyce

In the first book of a trilogy, Harold Fry embarks on a walking pilgrimage to see his dieing friend Queenie. The second book details Queenie’s backstory. And now the trilogy is completed with a novel about Maureen, Harold’s wife, setting out on another journey. Maureen is difficult and damaged, both judgemental and unlikeable. In fact, she is dealing with unprocessed grief over a death that occurred more than 30 years previously. There is a profoundly moving finale with emotional impact: self-discovery and forgiveness and the question – can grief be appropriated? All three books are wonderful; The Music Shop is an unrelated gem.

Jones – Neil Smith

Abi and Eli are siblings, Abi the elder by two years. They share a special communicative relationship, more typical in twins. Their story concerns growing up in a dysfunctional family; in fact, family is described as the f-word. This is a difficult book to describe, other than it is wonderfully written and is highly recommended albeit with a warning that there is violence and abusive parental behaviour. Some dreadful actions are balanced with amazing humour. The outcome is absolutely stunning in its complexity and honesty. Note: I have just heard Neil Smith speak twice at Calgary’s WorldFest, making it even more important to read this book.

How To Be Eaten – Marie Adelmann

A very imaginative story: five classic fairy tale characters are imagined as modern New York city women in a trauma support group. For example, Gretel has been abducted and held captive; Ruby has had a traumatic encounter with a wolf. The women shift from being unengaged and judgemental in the group setting to a shared consciousness. A dark, edgy but also wickedly funny story with a great ending.