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Whispers on the Ocean
This book speaks to one of Canada’s greatest wrongs and its lasting impact on generations of people, related and otherwise. It is a story of how institutionalized bigotry has shaped Canada’s relationship with its First Nations Peoples. It exposes a dark, and until recently, hidden chapter in Canadian history, that of Indian Residential Schools; the effects of which the Canadian Government now acknowledges as being “profoundly negative.”
This story follows the lives of four people and how they come to intertwine in Canada’s poorest neighborhood. Two residential school survivors, who in the aftermath of their incarceration are struggling to adapt to a society that demanded they change, yet shuns them anyway, and two paramedics who are also grappling with the demons of their pasts. Divided by class, race, and a uniform, they each have more in common than any of them suspect.
Based on moving personal testimonies given to the author by residential school survivors living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and the author’s career as a paramedic working in that neighborhood, this is a story of love and loss, and of longing and renewal, one that challenges us to see others, and ourselves, in a new light.
This story follows the lives of four people and how they come to intertwine in Canada’s poorest neighborhood. Two residential school survivors, who in the aftermath of their incarceration are struggling to adapt to a society that demanded they change, yet shuns them anyway, and two paramedics who are also grappling with the demons of their pasts. Divided by class, race, and a uniform, they each have more in common than any of them suspect.
Based on moving personal testimonies given to the author by residential school survivors living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and the author’s career as a paramedic working in that neighborhood, this is a story of love and loss, and of longing and renewal, one that challenges us to see others, and ourselves, in a new light.
338 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2018
6 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 31, 2018
Excellent! Well written and hard to put down.
Writing this true history as a fiction allows the reader to set aside some of their preconceived notions about Residential Schools, and trauma in general. By giving the reader a relationship with the characters, it allows the reader to engross themselves in the characters and feel the emotions and empathy which is needed for Canadians to truly move forward from this disturbing part of our history.
Writing this true history as a fiction allows the reader to set aside some of their preconceived notions about Residential Schools, and trauma in general. By giving the reader a relationship with the characters, it allows the reader to engross themselves in the characters and feel the emotions and empathy which is needed for Canadians to truly move forward from this disturbing part of our history.
November 1, 2018
This book really opened my eyes to the plight of people who were forced into residential schools and to life on Vancouver's East End. I couldn't put the book down
It is well written and comes straight from the author's heart
It is well written and comes straight from the author's heart
October 31, 2018
Emotional, heartbreaking an eye-opener. The characters are so vividly drawn, they reach out and pull you in. The author gives the reader a relationship with each character. High quality writing and a must read !
March 2, 2021
"Depressing, yes, as reality often is. A reality we may wish were not so. But enlightening Whispers on the Ocean should be a requirement for all. Perhaps one way to say we are sorry and to begin the repair.
Canada, the perfect sought after nation, has a secret. What have we done to our own Indians? We see them, but do not see them, in alleyways, street corners, parks. We drive past reservations, but pretend they do not exist. We ignore their past and deny the present.
Canada’s secret. I knew about the schools. I knew children were taken away and forced to be there. I mistakenly thought they were just that, schools. Not places of degradation and torture. Places that stripped one’s identity, brainwashing the victim into self- loathing. Annihilating the identity. Raping. Molesting. Scarring. Killing.
The ocean whispers travel across space and time, uniting the voices of the anguished, connecting the characters with a very rare hope and calmness. As does Frog and grandfather.
I will never read of our Indian heritage, nor look upon a native north American in the same way again. I feel shame and sadness. I will always hear the whispers. But the hope is, others will too.
I was given the book ‘The Only Good Indians’ by Professor Stephen Graham Jones. Having read your ‘Whispers on the Ocean’ first, I read his novel in a whole new light. Thank you, Tracee"
Martha, Montreal, PQ
Canada, the perfect sought after nation, has a secret. What have we done to our own Indians? We see them, but do not see them, in alleyways, street corners, parks. We drive past reservations, but pretend they do not exist. We ignore their past and deny the present.
Canada’s secret. I knew about the schools. I knew children were taken away and forced to be there. I mistakenly thought they were just that, schools. Not places of degradation and torture. Places that stripped one’s identity, brainwashing the victim into self- loathing. Annihilating the identity. Raping. Molesting. Scarring. Killing.
The ocean whispers travel across space and time, uniting the voices of the anguished, connecting the characters with a very rare hope and calmness. As does Frog and grandfather.
I will never read of our Indian heritage, nor look upon a native north American in the same way again. I feel shame and sadness. I will always hear the whispers. But the hope is, others will too.
I was given the book ‘The Only Good Indians’ by Professor Stephen Graham Jones. Having read your ‘Whispers on the Ocean’ first, I read his novel in a whole new light. Thank you, Tracee"
Martha, Montreal, PQ
December 1, 2022
I knew the book's topic meant it was not going to be a "feel-nice" story. Notwithstanding, I could not put the book down, reading late into the night a few times. The author made it very easy to connect and empathize with the main characters and feel contempt for those in authority that abused their power. With that emotional connection, I needed to finish the book to learn the total impact Canada's residential school system had on those main characters. So many lives ignorantly and needlessly wasted!
The current news, on any given day, often contains a story about Canada's indigenous population, their struggles and "truth and reconciliation." If you don't understand the background, this book will create for you a very clear picture of the harm that was done to indigenous populations through residential schools and why survivors struggle so much. I cannot imaging myself going through such ordeals. As other reviewers have said, it is a must read!
The current news, on any given day, often contains a story about Canada's indigenous population, their struggles and "truth and reconciliation." If you don't understand the background, this book will create for you a very clear picture of the harm that was done to indigenous populations through residential schools and why survivors struggle so much. I cannot imaging myself going through such ordeals. As other reviewers have said, it is a must read!
December 22, 2018
The author has given a personally involved background into the true happenings of the original
peoples of this land ( Canada ) the native Indian.
The book opened my eyes as to what took place when these people were taken over and placed in
areas called reservations destroying and forcing many into a life of restriction and emotionally
shattered ideals.
It was hard to put the book down as I needed to know what was to happen as each chapter flew by.
I would recommend this book as we need to know what has taken place and why people are as they are. It seems that history on this planet does not change much. Only we as individuals can bring about a change on how we treat others who have a different background then ours. We are all really just ONE humanity.
peoples of this land ( Canada ) the native Indian.
The book opened my eyes as to what took place when these people were taken over and placed in
areas called reservations destroying and forcing many into a life of restriction and emotionally
shattered ideals.
It was hard to put the book down as I needed to know what was to happen as each chapter flew by.
I would recommend this book as we need to know what has taken place and why people are as they are. It seems that history on this planet does not change much. Only we as individuals can bring about a change on how we treat others who have a different background then ours. We are all really just ONE humanity.
August 6, 2021
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars.
This is a profoundly emotional book based on real testimonies. The author did an amazing job of connecting readers to the characters, and of exposing dark and deeply disturbing events in Candian history. I would recommend this book to those with limited understandings of residential schools. *It is important to note her warning at the beginning that it may trigger traumatic memories, and is not recommended for residential school survivors.
I found that I sometimes struggled with the writing. Some aspects I really liked, such as the real and raw descriptions. I was easily able to visualize and make connections throughout the book.
Other aspects I wrestled with. There were times I thought that words could have been more simply stated to make the same impact, and that threw me off a bit.
Overall, a good read that tells the stories that many of us need to hear.
This is a profoundly emotional book based on real testimonies. The author did an amazing job of connecting readers to the characters, and of exposing dark and deeply disturbing events in Candian history. I would recommend this book to those with limited understandings of residential schools. *It is important to note her warning at the beginning that it may trigger traumatic memories, and is not recommended for residential school survivors.
I found that I sometimes struggled with the writing. Some aspects I really liked, such as the real and raw descriptions. I was easily able to visualize and make connections throughout the book.
Other aspects I wrestled with. There were times I thought that words could have been more simply stated to make the same impact, and that threw me off a bit.
Overall, a good read that tells the stories that many of us need to hear.
November 4, 2025
This story is an emotional journey. It has moments that are horrific, touching, depressing, encouraging, and uplifting. It opened my eyes to more of the realities experienced by many: prejudice, family trauma, trauma related to residential schools, poverty, and various other injustices. The author’s descriptions of the living conditions for some of the more unfortunate people living in Vancouver’s East end are harrowing.
The author connects us so deeply to the characters that, many times, I found myself compelled to read on. At other times, because it weighed so heavily on my emotions, I needed to take breaks before reading on. I enjoyed the way she transported us through space and time, weaving the stories together by ending and beginning her chapters with the same phrases. Having spoken to the author on Canada Day, I knew that her work experience and her heart for the people, especially Indigenous peoples, were her inspiration. In a strange way, this made me feel even more connected to the characters, knowing they represented real people.
I came away with a deep appreciation for paramedics and a new understanding of the paralyzing and deep impact of addiction.
Stories like these are difficult to read. The language is raw, so be prepared for cursing. But, the author writes in a beautiful way, often painting a picture without having to spell out the sordid details that might prevent some from reading on. This is a hearty recommend from me.
The author connects us so deeply to the characters that, many times, I found myself compelled to read on. At other times, because it weighed so heavily on my emotions, I needed to take breaks before reading on. I enjoyed the way she transported us through space and time, weaving the stories together by ending and beginning her chapters with the same phrases. Having spoken to the author on Canada Day, I knew that her work experience and her heart for the people, especially Indigenous peoples, were her inspiration. In a strange way, this made me feel even more connected to the characters, knowing they represented real people.
I came away with a deep appreciation for paramedics and a new understanding of the paralyzing and deep impact of addiction.
Stories like these are difficult to read. The language is raw, so be prepared for cursing. But, the author writes in a beautiful way, often painting a picture without having to spell out the sordid details that might prevent some from reading on. This is a hearty recommend from me.
August 27, 2019
This is a book every Canadian should read. It should be part of the school curriculum.
A well written book that gives an honest, gut wrenching look at the Indian Residential School system and implications for the survivors. It is fiction based upon personal testimonies. The story is set in Vancouver's Downtown East Side.
A dark time in Canada's recent history. All Canadians should be aware of what happened to ensure we do better going forward and are kinder.
Please put it on your must read list!
A well written book that gives an honest, gut wrenching look at the Indian Residential School system and implications for the survivors. It is fiction based upon personal testimonies. The story is set in Vancouver's Downtown East Side.
A dark time in Canada's recent history. All Canadians should be aware of what happened to ensure we do better going forward and are kinder.
Please put it on your must read list!
December 3, 2022
This book brought clarity to so much that happened in Vancouver in early 1980’s when I worked emergency ward at St Paul’s Hospital. I moved from small town Alberta to the big city and could not understand the despair of many street people. The violence, the loss of hope, the drudgery of day to day survival. I couldn’t fathom the root cause of much of it until now. It is a hard read emotionally but this book is written with such empathy that it is never to be forgotten or ignored.
December 14, 2019
This book had to be written. I'm only glad the subject matter was understood by the author and so well rendered that readers can understand it too. Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is not an easy place in which to live. The backgrounds and daily tribulations of the characters remind me of many of the people I as a community worker knew there in the 1980s. I also recognize the viciousness displayed by figures of authority. Prejudice, abuse such as incest, and PTSD are portrayed extremely well. I did not, however, previously understand the conditions in residential schools, and am now reading the book aloud to a friend.
August 31, 2019
The writing is superb, the story is sad... a must-read
November 30, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were portrayed brilliantly. The topic is a tough one but worth the time to glimpse the struggles of Residential School survivors and the stress filled lives of first responders. The story was well woven and each characters history portrayed perfectly.
August 21, 2019
We recently read this as part of our BookClub and am so glad we did. Growing up, I knew nothing of the Residential School system, and even prior to reading Whispers on the Ocean knew very little. To now know that our country and our people took it upon themselves to inflict this kind of horror on other human beings brings tears to my eyes.
Literature such as Whispers on the Ocean is essential to continue bringing this social issue to the forefront and it should be incorporated into the school system's reading curriculum.
A heartbreaking, but entirely necessary read.
Literature such as Whispers on the Ocean is essential to continue bringing this social issue to the forefront and it should be incorporated into the school system's reading curriculum.
A heartbreaking, but entirely necessary read.
July 16, 2020
Well crafted, painfully true story. Informative for those of us not familiar with the wrongs of the past. Not recrimination but information and healing.
October 24, 2021
Sometimes I read a novel and all the characters sound the same. In Whispers on the Ocean I can hear everyone's individual voices. They stay true to their characters, they surprise me, fascinate me, and tell me, simply by their authenticity, they are real people the author has met and interviewed. Which then informs me she has left a piece of herself in this book. The story is raw, at times extremely disturbing in its portrayal of events and histories we would rather pretend don't exist in our society. That is why this book is so important.
Whispers on the Ocean will challenge what you know or have been led to believe about First Nations people, residential schools, post-traumatic stress, homelessness, drug use, and how Canadians, who pride ourselves on believing we treat everyone equally, need to take a hard look in the mirror. Then a harder look onto the streets.
Although a novel, this book is true. I can confidently say it is one of the best books I have ever read and I believe it should have a much wider distribution than it does now. It rightfully has a trigger warning, so those who have suffered abuse wisely should not read it, but those of us who have not suffered this trauma, by reading this beautifully crafted piece of literature, can get a glimpse into what many of our fellow humans have been living through. Through the eyes of Wendy, a tenacious, intelligent, compassionate paramedic, we have the opportunity for an up-close look at members of our society who deserve more compassion than they have ever been given, and which they rightly deserve.
This book is a must read.
Whispers on the Ocean will challenge what you know or have been led to believe about First Nations people, residential schools, post-traumatic stress, homelessness, drug use, and how Canadians, who pride ourselves on believing we treat everyone equally, need to take a hard look in the mirror. Then a harder look onto the streets.
Although a novel, this book is true. I can confidently say it is one of the best books I have ever read and I believe it should have a much wider distribution than it does now. It rightfully has a trigger warning, so those who have suffered abuse wisely should not read it, but those of us who have not suffered this trauma, by reading this beautifully crafted piece of literature, can get a glimpse into what many of our fellow humans have been living through. Through the eyes of Wendy, a tenacious, intelligent, compassionate paramedic, we have the opportunity for an up-close look at members of our society who deserve more compassion than they have ever been given, and which they rightly deserve.
This book is a must read.
January 2, 2022
Tracee Andrews gives a very realistic and emphatic view of the challenges of many living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. I really enjoyed her ability to weave the realities of life on the streets into her novel.
May 2, 2023
This was a hard but amazing read! It is gut wrenching. A few favourite lines were talking about residential schools and did anyone know about them. No one did and it was the 1990’s we were blind. The afterward “we cannot mourn that which we do not value.”
Truth!
Truth!
August 22, 2019
Unbelievable read! An eye opening book on Canadian history....
September 22, 2019
This is a heartrenching, eye opening story and so well written I was consumed from its opening chapter. Highly recommend Whispers on the Ocean.
JP
JP
June 13, 2019
HIGHLY recommended. I just bought five more copies.
A sobering, heartbreaking, "fictional/historical" account of Canada's Indian Residential Schools. You quickly realize this is NOT fiction, but various survivors' memories. (The title refers to the sound of an RCMP boat coming to forcibly remove indigenous children from their homes and into Residential Schools).
The author, who was a paramedic at Vancouver's infamous Downtown Eastside (DTES), professionally encountered such survivors trying to block out these horrors through their use of alcohol and drugs.
It was her compassion (which you are not supposed to have as a paramedic?) that led to some opening up to her. That is how she pierced Skid Row's ugly exterior. Now, Whispers shines a bright light on some of DTES's beautiful human interiors.
It's both easy and hard to read; the writing style is easy to read, but the subject matter is hard to stomach. This should be required reading in all Canadian secondary schools.
"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." - Edmund Burke
A sobering, heartbreaking, "fictional/historical" account of Canada's Indian Residential Schools. You quickly realize this is NOT fiction, but various survivors' memories. (The title refers to the sound of an RCMP boat coming to forcibly remove indigenous children from their homes and into Residential Schools).
The author, who was a paramedic at Vancouver's infamous Downtown Eastside (DTES), professionally encountered such survivors trying to block out these horrors through their use of alcohol and drugs.
It was her compassion (which you are not supposed to have as a paramedic?) that led to some opening up to her. That is how she pierced Skid Row's ugly exterior. Now, Whispers shines a bright light on some of DTES's beautiful human interiors.
It's both easy and hard to read; the writing style is easy to read, but the subject matter is hard to stomach. This should be required reading in all Canadian secondary schools.
"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." - Edmund Burke
September 14, 2020
With Whispers on the Ocean, Tracee Andrews has succeeded in making a painful aspect in Canadian history very readable. A page turning book.
Tracee relates a situation that is a must for every Canadian and immigrant to be familiar with. I believe this must become a suggested read for high school students and want to be Canadians.
This is an aspect of Canada’s past and present that we need to see come to an end, and we don’t want to see repeated, ever.
I see this work as an important window into an ugly side of our country, its politics and the influence by organized religion.
Marc Reinarz
Tracee relates a situation that is a must for every Canadian and immigrant to be familiar with. I believe this must become a suggested read for high school students and want to be Canadians.
This is an aspect of Canada’s past and present that we need to see come to an end, and we don’t want to see repeated, ever.
I see this work as an important window into an ugly side of our country, its politics and the influence by organized religion.
Marc Reinarz
November 11, 2020
This book made me cry. I felt so strongly for the characters and the trauma they had gone through. The hurt, pain and injustice of Canada's residential schools is hard to hear about, but it is necessary that we all understand the horrors of it. We need to understand in order to fight for justice and healing for everybody affected and to make sure atrocities like this are never repeated. Tracee has done a great job at shining a light at the darkness. Now, what are we going to do about it?
Read
February 27, 2019A deeply profound and beautifully written book. Giving us insight and raising our consciousness of the atrocities Canada's Indigenous People had to endure while being forced into Residential Schooling. An excellent read!
February 29, 2024
It is an exceptionally moving, powerful, and well-written book, that tells " of the sometimes overwhelming negative journey to recovery".
March 19, 2025
This book touched me deeply. Tracey is a gifted author who has done justice in honouring the lives of her real life characters by telling their stories so well. I plan to buy more copies as gifts, because every resident of Canada and the U.S. should read this story. There is nothing like a story well told to bring understanding of another's suffering. Thank you, Tracey, for living your life in a way that values others, and for telling their stories.
February 3, 2023
Such a traumatic and inspiring book. I learned so much about residential schools and the effect they had and continue to have on the Indigenous people. I fell in love with the characters and although the stories were hard to read I think it's an important topic to shed light on. The author did a great job.
June 19, 2025
While the content of this novel is important to read and understand, it felt much like a repeating of stories that have been said more effectively already. I found it hard to believe that the paramedics who spent much of their career on the downtown east side of Vancouver had never heard of the tragedy of residential schools.
September 25, 2023
I found this book to be an honest, gritty account of the outfall of our country’s abuse of indigenous people. And it was told from a perspective that I could relate to, through the eyes of a non-indigenous woman. Thank you Tracee for this thought provoking account. It’s time that we all woke up.
May 7, 2025
This was a story that truly needed to be shared. I appreciated how it was presented without exaggeration—just the honest, heartbreaking truth. It's incredibly informative and deserves a place in our school reading curriculum.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews