The Pact

7 Generations #4

by David Alexander Robertson, Scott B. Henderson (Illustrator)

The pain and loss of James's residential school experience follows him until, years later, Lauren returns, giving him hope for the future. But the damage may be too great. Lauren makes a pact with him that will lead to either death or redemption: confront the demons that haunt him and stop killing himself with guilt or be prepared to forego a life with her and his son, Edwin.

Edwin, mired in his own pain, tries to navigate past the desolation of a fatherless childhood. As James tries to heal himself, he begins to realize that, somehow, he may save his son's life - as well as his own. When father and son finally meet, can they heal their shattered relationship, and themselves, or will it be too late?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Indigenous, Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction, Canada

30 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Dazed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much different ending than I'd anticipated, but I really liked it.

That said, I don't want it to be an ending. I want at least three more "episodes" / "issues".

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Stone, Scars, and Ends/Begins, coming to the final conclusion of the 7 Generations series with The Pact is something I have been anticipating.

The Pact flickers between past and present, just as the previous books did. We see the story unfolding between Edwin and his father in the present, but we also see more of his father's past, and what little shared past the two had. I felt like this book really brought everything together, and gave us a glimpse into the healing paths of both Edwin and his father, while also showing us that those paths will continue for a long time to come. (I still wish this was done in colour).

I definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for a solid teen and up graphic novel read (that might even teach them a little something on the side). Definitely go into this series in order.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edwin and his dad continue to process their relationship and navigate what the future looks like. The idea was good, but the execution could use some work.

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Love should end with hope” is a quote from A Knight’s Tale, and it fits so well here. This book and this series ends with love and hope. Two powerful forces.