Northern Wildflower

by Catherine Lafferty

This is the story of how a young northern girl picked herself up out of the rough and polished herself off like the diamond that she is in the land of the midnight sun.

Northern Wildflower is the beautifully written and powerful memoir of Catherine Lafferty. With startling honesty and a distinct, occasionally humorous, voice, Lafferty tells her story of being a Dene woman growing up in a small northern Canadian mining town and her struggles with discrimination, poverty, addiction, love and loss. Focusing on the importance of family ties, education, spiritualism, cultural identity, health and happiness, the relentless pursuit of success and the courage to speak the truth, Lafferty's words bring cultural awareness and relativity to Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike, giving insight into the real issues many Indigenous women face.

Genres: Indigenous, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Canada, Nature

158 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2018

Reviews

[Jaime M · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I find it hard to rate memoirs. I don’t even know if it’s appropriate & of course, I always want to like Indigenous books by Indigenous authors. Plus as an Indigenous woman from northern Alberta, I was looking forward to the read. I could even relate to the experiences she went through and wrote about it in the book. The trouble for me was that the writing style of this memoir felt simply like information being given. Unlike a memoir like Theresa Malhot in “Heart Berries” which had some creative style, I just felt rather bored reading this. It’s not to say that she had a boring life - it’s just that I didn’t feel the story because the presentation was flat. The other problem with being an Indigenous reader of Indigenous literature is that I’m often afraid to write anything less than positive reviews about them because I’m worried that I’ll meet this person in the future and they’ll be upset with me or that other Indigenous authors and readers will be upset with me because of my review. Anyway, so be it. 😔

Here are a few things that I thought could have been improved:

- from the information in the book to the epilogue, there seems to be a lot that happened and I would have liked to have read about that
- there was too much “advice” being given that were cliches
- it wasn’t engaging - I felt unsatisfied with how the information was presented more like a very obvious timeline as opposed to focusing on the creativity in presentation
- I was annoyed with the vague location references to “northern Alberta” - I wanted to know where exactly as a person from northern AB.
Therefore:
- I felt this was geared toward a non-Indigenous reader and I suppose that was her choice of audience but that could be what made it a bit boring for me.
On the editing:
- page 135/136 was in the book twice
- should have asked the author who the audience was geared toward because it went back and forth but mostly seemed for a non-Indigenous author - maybe some consistency (maybe, 🤷🏽‍♀️ I think that would have contributed to a better flow).

Aside from the writing, I also didn’t quite understand why it was in the youth category). Perhaps for the reading level but it seemed a bit odd to me. The cover was quite attractive.

If you read this Catherine, please don’t me mad at me and fight me. 😂 I hope you keep writing and I’m extremely proud of you for getting a book out there to be published. I once was interviewed by the Ottawa Magazine on my own story and I talked about my family and community and I was so nervous when it came out - in fact, my mom hasn’t talked to me since it came out so, I know what a big risk you took with this. I know it wasn’t easy to write what you did but for those who aren’t familiar with how difficult life can be as an Indigenous woman continues to be, then they’ll get an idea from your book. If you write another book, it would be lovely to see you really challenge your writing. Wishing you all the best.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will give this 4 stars based on Lafferty’s strength alone. Her path, and other Indigenous women like hers, has not been easy. The writing was simple but read with her strong voice and powerful emotion.

[Amber Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about Catherine. I admire people with courage, who pick themselves up and carry on when they've been knocked down. Those who find opportunity where others would wallow in darkness. Catherine's story is encouraging and inspiring. I'm proud to add this book to my collection of Northern authors.

[Ashley]

I didn't really understand where the author was going with the message of this book. It was clear she was trying to educate people about the history and culture of indigenous peoples, but I didn't see how sharing her background did that.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Northern Wildflower, Catherine tells her own story that highlights the impact of colonialism while also demonstrating the resilience and strength of Indigenous people. I have not read a book in one sitting since I was in high school, but I could not put this book down. Catherine's style of writing is inviting, articulate, and addictive. It is a hard read in terms of content - Catherine's story is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring - but her story is important and it deserves our attention.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard for me to write a review for this. Memoirs are hard, and maybe I should just go ahead and say I won't write reviews for memoirs anymore? Maybe I'll just stick to ratings? Blah.

Anyways. I wasn't moved by this, it read very monotone. I don't even like saying that, it's a telling of this woman's life, and it feels inappropriate for me to comment, like her life's story is supposed to entertain me, but I suppose when it is published for public use, it might be?

I've had my eye on this book for quite some time, but in the end, it wasn't much to behold. At least, for me.

[Rielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this memoir. It was honest and real and inspirational. I felt a little fire be rekindled in my heart... I really loved it! Beautifully done Catherine!

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gord Downie first peaked my interest in the fight to help the Indigenous people of Canada. He made it his dying days purpose to bring awareness to and fight against the cruel treatment of the Indigenous. Even after learning of the Chanie Wenjack story and donating myself, I was still pretty unaware of exactly what was going on in the North. When I heard about this memoir, I hoped it would shed some more light on the topic and give me a better understanding. I’m not Canadian, but I am human and this stuff matters.

While this memoir did not shed light on the Indigenous issues the way I expected, it did open my eyes to the trickle-down impact this cultural genocide continues to have on the children and grandchildren of those forced into residential schools. And while Catherine has risen above her circumstance, she is still a prime example of what that injustice left behind. Discrimination, lack of proper housing and education, refusal to allow the practice of their traditional medicine. These are all things she faces throughout her life.

The writing style is simple, but the story of perseverance, incredibly intricate and strong.

[Chloe W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been to Yellowknife and felt it that is a sad city somehow. That’s the reason why I picked up the book and want to find out what the author has to offer. It’s a very honest written book, my heart sank with the writer every time sad things happened in her life. Anyway, most important is she chose to pick herself up and back on her foot and move forward.

I personally love one quote from the book : The miraculous splendour of a northern wildflower reminding me to be brave, strong, wild and free.

[Ashley Crump · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Recommended it to anyone who has lived in the North or wants to learn more about the north. I think it is great that the author shared her story with the world.

[Bessie Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needed some editing. Unfortunately that took away from the story.

[Travel By Bookmarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong woman’s memoir describing her experiences as a Dene woman growing up in Canada’s North. She shares her journey with injustice, poverty, and grief, with stunning honesty and a powerful voice. This book emphasizes the value of family and cultural identity and sheds light on the reality that many Indigenous women face.

The book was engaging and included many anecdotes from the author’s adolescent life. Spanning several years, this book was fast-paced, revealing many personal details of life as an underprivileged Indigenous woman which I think takes a lot of courage to share. This intense coming-of-age tale presents many heavy topics such as addiction, loss, and generational trauma. One thing that stood out to me especially is when the author mentioned how her grandmother- a sewer- was underpaid and not given credit, and how her designs were imitated. This just goes to show that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to head toward true healing and reconciliation as this is still happening! Indigenous artists’ artwork is often taken advantage of and appropriated today.

This book, written with a straightforward approach, was a fairly simple read, yet the author’s emotions seeped through the pages. The author shares pieces of how colonialism impacted her family. The photos included - each placed on the perfect page- made me, as a reader, feel like a companion on this tough journey. However, I did feel like the way some of the advice she gave to readers was written in a somewhat cliche way.

This book is a beautiful tribute to the author’s grandmother- a residential school survivor - whom I most enjoyed reading about. Although this can be a difficult read content-wise, Lafferty’s story of self-discovery stands as a symbol of resilience, reclaiming her ancestor’s traditions and trying to leave her dark past behind to build a better life for her family. I recommend this book to those looking for a heart-wrenching, honest, and inspiring read.

I rate this book 3.5 / 5 stars

[Digitally Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong woman’s memoir describing her experiences as a Dene woman growing up in Canada’s North. She shares her journey with injustice, poverty, and grief, with stunning honesty and a powerful voice. This book emphasizes the value of family and cultural identity and sheds light on the reality that many Indigenous women face.

The book was engaging and included many anecdotes from the author’s adolescent life. Spanning several years, this book was fast-paced, revealing many personal details of life as an underprivileged Indigenous woman which I think takes a lot of courage to share. This intense coming-of-age tale presents many heavy topics such as addiction, loss, and generational trauma. One thing that stood out to me especially is when the author mentioned how her grandmother- a sewer- was underpaid and not given credit, and how her designs were imitated. This just goes to show that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to head toward true healing and reconciliation as this is still happening! Indigenous artists’ artwork is often taken advantage of and appropriated today.

This book, written with a straightforward approach, was a fairly simple read, yet the author’s emotions seeped through the pages. The author shares pieces of how colonialism impacted her family. The photos included - each placed on the perfect page- made me, as a reader, feel like a companion on this tough journey. However, I did feel like the way some of the advice she gave to readers was written in a somewhat cliche way.

This book is a beautiful tribute to the author’s grandmother- a residential school survivor - whom I most enjoyed reading about. Although this can be a difficult read content-wise, Lafferty’s story of self-discovery stands as a symbol of resilience, reclaiming her ancestor’s traditions and trying to leave her dark past behind to build a better life for her family. I recommend this book to those looking for a heart-wrenching, honest, and inspiring read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoirs must be so difficult to write. The author has lived and is continuing to live that story, a story they tell themselves; how is that translated to language that an audience can relate to?

In this case, the storytelling was very flat. I had a terrible time finding the author’s voice, and it was often overlaid with long passages of preachiness and cliche terms. I wish she would have used her own words to tell her own story. While the frequent use of “I seen” seems an attempt to do just that, I question that an independent woman, a pillar of her community, with a masters degree really speaks this way.

The epilogue summarizes what sounds like some very important parts of Catherine’s life, and I’m disappointed that wasn’t part of the story.

Regardless of its flaws, the sharing of a lived history is always appreciated. Thank you.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I am always looking for Indigenous authors, so was intrigued by this book. However, I found this was more about her relationships and education than life as a northerner. I would have liked to read about her work as a Council member, and how she came to the decision to be a foster mother (as mentioned in the epilogue.) So this was ultimately disappointing to me, although there were a few chapters at the beginning that I really liked.

[Lili Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Catherine Lafferty shares her personal experiences as a woman from Northern Alberta. She delves into the challenges faced by her community, including issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and racism. Through her narrative, she reveals her journey of overcoming these obstacles. This memoir provides a poignant insight into the enduring impacts of colonialism on these communities.

[Numberbox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring read from a very strong young author. A gift from Chantal K. Of course completely in line with our work together- to bring justice and educational supports to Indigenous folks in the North.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful memoir, full of ups and downs. I wish it had been edited more diligently.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this memoir it showed the author's strength to overcome. It was beautifully written. I highly recommend it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review of it.