Going Back Home

by Marie Hess

Written by a Mohawk Institute Residential School survivor, this is a fierce and candid story that reveals the heartbreaking trauma of that tragic time in our history. The author portrays how the ongoing impact of the residential schools confinements has affected Indigenous communities over several generations and has contributed to many social problems that continue to exist today. By exploring that devastating history, the author finds and celebrates the resilient and hopeful spirit that many residential school survivors, like herself, have managed to retain in the face of horror and torment.

Genres: Indigenous

94 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2019

Reviews

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very unfiltered story in terms of this book seemed to me to be more oral toned than read, which is to say I "heard" it in my head than normal tone of reading. I think it was an attempt to be autobiographical. It wasn't written in the usual literary storytelling way and hence the narration may be jumpy for readers and the perspective towards the end changed point of view. What was strong for me was the fact it was not written in a typical story way. It was more honest in the sense the story didn't pander to the reader--didn't make the reader the golden ticket. By writing it in this honest way the reader can really identify with the narrator as someone who didn't have an "equal education" with school children. This is her story and it unfolds exactly as it should without catering to the pressure of the literary style.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm afraid this did nothing for me. I appreciate what it's trying to do, but in terms of writing style and storytelling technique, this felt less like a story and more like an academic overview. On top of that, any story that opens by telling me that the world is still suffering from the Depression in 1948, makes my history teacher brain implode.

[Anneke Alnatour · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, how I wished I'd love this one more that I did! The bones of a great story are there, but it just did not happen for me. I tried really hard, and it is such a short book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea so to say.

[Lynne Scopazzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more - found the story a bit confusing. Very sad though for what First Nation People's have been treated back in the day and now.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad but beautiful story.