Crow Winter

by Karen McBride

Nanabush. A name that has a certain weight on the tongue—a taste. Like lit sage in a windowless room or aluminum foil on a metal filling.

Trickster. Storyteller. Shape-shifter. An ancient troublemaker with the power to do great things, only he doesn’t want to put in the work.

Since coming home to Spirit Bear Point First Nation, Hazel Ellis has been dreaming of an old crow. He tells her he’s here to help her, save her. From what, exactly? Sure, her dad’s been dead for almost two years and she hasn’t quite reconciled that grief, but is that worth the time of an Algonquin demigod?

Soon Hazel learns that there’s more at play than just her own sadness and doubt. The quarry that’s been lying unsullied for over a century on her father’s property is stirring the old magic that crosses the boundaries between this world and the next. With the aid of Nanabush, Hazel must unravel a web of deceit that, if left untouched, could destroy her family and her home on both sides of the Medicine Wheel.

Genres: Indigenous, Fiction, Fantasy, Canada, Magical Realism, Mystery, Book Club

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2019

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crow Winter by Algonquin Anishinaabe author Karen McBride is officially one of my favourite books of this year. I was in a major reading slump when I consumed this novel in just a few reading sessions.
We visit Spirit Bear Point First Nation and are introduced to Hazel Ellis who is grieving the loss of her father when she encounters Nanabush: trickster, Anishinaabe shapeshifter able to travel between the Spirit World and Turtle Island. Together they embark on a journey to save sacred land and so much more.

As an Anishinaabe woman, I can’t describe the comfort and pride I feel when I encounter Anishinaabemowin in a novel, or any Indigenous language for that matter, because it shows that our cultures and languages are thriving (the colonizers did not & will never win.) When I think of how I grew up reading white authors and never once seeing my language on those pages it makes me appreciate even more that there are novels like this in the world. The rez slang was also 10/10. I could hear their voices in my head and felt like I was chilling with my aunties and friends.

McBride doesn’t tiptoe around any issues that might make white folk uncomfortable. While this is a work of fiction, these are important examples of how Indigenous communities are treated when we have something colonizers and their descendants want.

On these pages I found pieces of my home and I think many Indigenous folk will find the same. There is ceremony, language, kinship, ancestors and spirits. I felt embraced by tradition. I felt understood. I could feel that this novel was written for our people and to celebrate our strength, teachings and resilience. How do we heal from grief, from colonialism? How are our ancestors guiding us? What is our relationship to the land? Crow Winter holds all of these answers in a page turning novel that is funny, exciting, and heartbreaking. 5/5 forever & ever. I’ve never loved Nanabush more.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The sky. The way the clouds keep hanging out by the horizon. I think we might get a crow winter this year...That's what it's called when it snows too soon for it to be called winter. Like, the second week in October, or maybe even earlier...It's real annoying because everything dies before it's supposed to."

I'm a fan of Canadian Indigenous fiction – I am open to anything First Nations writers want to share about their history, mythology, or how they're living now – and while I don't demand that they mould their storytelling to fit the distinct tastes of my settlers' culture, I can't give a complete pass to Indigenous authors whose writing I don't think is of the highest quality. Crow Winter is a fine story that brings mythological beings into the modern world, much like Eden Robinson's Trickster series, but unlike Robinson's precise and imaginative storytelling, author Karen McBride's writing seems amateurish and uninspired. I appreciate this effort, but am not dazzled by the result.

With every word he speaks, the sky darkens as Nanabush's shadow grows larger. I can feel some primal part of me screaming that I need to either fall to my knees or run. I shouldn't be able to commune with someone like him. But I can't move. The wind picks up again and tosses the few pieces of loose hair around my face until each touch feels like lashes from a whip. For the first time, I see the echo of the old powers of Nanabush. As if I know that he's not what he was. I understand him. Something connects us and I see him for the tired, unworshipped, forgotten soul that he is.

After graduating university, Hazel Ellis decides to move back home with her mother on the Spirit Bear Point First Nation reserve in Quebec. Hazel's father died after a long illness eighteen months before, and she, her mother, and her brother are all still broken over the loss and unable to talk to one another about it. Once home again, Hazel finds herself being shadowed by an unusually intelligent-looking crow, and once they begin communicating, she discovers that he is Nanabush: the Trickster demigod, neither mortal nor immortal, trapped in avian form and sent by the Seven Grandfather Teachings to put Hazel back together again. As the two develop their relationship, Hazel and Nanabush realise that not only must they help each other for their own healings, but they are set on a mission to save the Spirit World and its connection to this side of the Medicine Wheel.

I did like the depiction of rez life – everything from Band Council politics to the slangy dialect used by Hazel's mom and other residents – and I appreciate what McBride shares about sweat lodge ceremony and other customs, beliefs, and rituals of her Anishinaabe people. But I didn't find the overall plot to be compellingly unique or the up-close writing to reflect the author's Master of Arts in creative writing (from her acknowledgments, it would seem that this began as McBride's Master's thesis). There is plenty of telling-not-showing, repetition of details, and plain clunky writing:

It's a beautiful day. Hot, sunny, with the right amount of wind, so I've got the windows rolled down – which seemed like a good decision when I set out but isn't great now that I'm nearing the actual heap. There's no other way to describe the smell of garbage. It's awful. The epitome of rot. I'd roll the windows up but that would only lock it in with me. This way I have a bit of air flow, even if it's nasty, hot garbage air.

I think it's totally fair for an Indigenous author to depict First Nations' lamentable history with the colonising culture in any way that feels right to her. And I don't feel defensive when white people are depicted as greedy, racist exploiters, but cartoonishly evil historical figures don't feel real enough to me to evoke a sympathetic reaction – and neither does making the only living white person in this book (a wanna-be ally to the Spirit Bear Point residents) react with spite instead of understanding when he's given the chance to act like a human being instead of a businessman. Again, McBride has every right (perhaps even a duty) to put disparaging remarks about white people and the history of colonisation in her characters' mouths, but I still find myself challenged by the wording in passages like the following (regarding Hazel's brother, Gus):

Until recently, he worked as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Helping those of us still suffering from second-wave cultural genocide to find peace. Which is a fancy way of saying he helped people apply for the money that was owed to them by the Canadian government.

I wish I liked Crow Winter better, but I will say that it wasn't a waste of time to have listened to the story that Karen McBride wanted to share.

[Jalilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel is a mixture of Canadian First Nations mythology and current indigenous issues. The mythology is more spiritual rather than fantastical and the story is more like a quest rather than a mystery or thriller. For this reason the pace is much slower. I am happy to have read it and would recommend it, but it's important not to have expectations that it's a fast paced fantasy novel or supernatural thriller , for it's not.

[Awa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.9⭐️

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a little hesitant when reading magical realism because I find it can be a little lacklustre sometimes. That was FAR from being the case however with Crow Winter. It was the perfect blend of Canadian First Nations mythology and ongoing current Indigenous issues. The author mixed the two together to create the most magical and captivating story that I just couldn’t put down. My favourite part by far was the interactions with Nanabush them self. I found myself anxiously turning the pages until the next time they appeared, always eager for more. I also really loved how the author featured so many different aspects of Indigenous culture, from sweats to mythology to land rights to Rez life to language, this book had it all and I found myself learning so much. My only minor complaint is that I found our main character so dry, she never came fully to life for me and I was a little disappointed by that. I wanted to know her more deeply than we were able to. Other than that, this story was just absolute perfection.

[Penny (Literary Hoarders) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't connect well with this one unfortunately. I felt everything was over-explained and there was a lot of telling, if that can explain well what I'm trying to say...

It's a beautiful publication with chapters featuring exquisite illustrations as title pages.

[Johanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were things I enjoyed about this book, over-all I found it a bit flawed. Mostly, I found the writing kind of clumsy. It’s the first work of a younger writer, and I could tell. The plot and characters kept me going, although I also felt that it jumped around somewhat in terms of style. Part mystery / part mystical, spiritual exploration and not 100% satisfyingly. It will be interesting to see what comes next from this writer.
Edited to add: I would still recommend this as a worthwhile read, even if it’s not my favourite book I read this year. I think we need to support and encourage Indigenous writers and I suspect this writer will only get better and better.

[Gail Amendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started kind of slow for me, but then grabbed my attention and held it to the end. The protagonist Hazel is young Algonquin Anishinaabe woman. Recently graduated from university and unemployed, she returns to the reservation where she grew up. She finds herself haunted by memories of her recently deceased father, and by strange dreams involving legendary trickster Nanabush. It soon becomes clear that she has a task to perform to right a wrong from the past that is threatening her people. I'm not usually one for books involving the supernatural, but in this case it worked very well. I enjoyed the snippets of Anishinaabe culture and folklore. This book reminds me of the work of Eden Robinson, but lacks some of the grit and reality. This is a debut novel, and I hope the author keeps writing.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for providing me an advanced copy of this wonderful book.

What would you do if you found yourself being in contact with the trickster demigod that you heard stories about growing up? What would you do if you found out that you could contact the Spiritual world, and cross between through memories and dreams? Following the loss of her father, Hazel returns to Spirit Bear Point First Nation reserve to be with her mother and to reconcile her grief. She dreams of a crow, who tells her that he is there to help her - Nanabush, the Algonquin demigod, trickster and shapeshifter. Together they need to determine the truth about a quarry that seems to be clouded in a complicated history filled with lies and deceit.

Incredibly written, so wonderfully deep in culture and history. Seriously recommend.
I am still in awe and reeling at the beauty of this novel. I cannot believe that this is a debut from Karen McBride, as you would believe that she had been writing novels for years. I constantly found myself writing down the wonderful quotes from this book, the deep and meaningful insights into life, love, and loss that are central to this story. McBride navigates the difficult topics surrounding life on the reserve, the complicated past between the Aboriginal people and the white people in the next town, and the intricacy of grief and mourning when someone integral has passed away.
I thought that the addition of Nanabush and the Spiritual Guides was so important to the story, bringing the cultural and spiritual teachings to the forefront. The use of the language helped to remind the reader of the importance of culture and language on the reserve, and how it keeps the people connected to their people and the past. I found it a little difficult at first, but there was a guide in the back to assist with the words that I did not know. It was very useful. And the family dynamics portrayed in this book were fantastic and realistic. From a mother and daughter who have lived separate from each other for a bit and do not have an emotional relationship, to the sibling relationship that I laughed at how realistic their conversations seemed.

I believe that usually I am not supposed to share quotes from an ARC, but I just have to share this one line that made me absolutely laugh out loud and read it to family members. It is from Nanabush about the other crows around him: "They're so irritating now that they've forgotten how to speak. Their groups used to be called 'murders' because they were smart and cunning, but now I think that title is better suited to the urge you get when they won't shut up." BRILLIANT! A completely accurate sentiment.
Upon completing this novel, I immediately passed it to my mom who is also a reader. She loved it as well, and often we have quite different tastes in books. I am certain that this book could be read and enjoyed by almost anyone. My mom is even planning to use this book as a book club read with her friends, which I am quite excited about for them! I am so glad I could pass this wonderful book on to more people.

Meegwetch to Harper Collins Canada for sending me this wonderful read, and a big meegwetch to Karen McBride for writing this incredible story into existence.

[Anne ✨ Finds Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed with this debut. I enjoyed the First Nations mythology aspect, especially Nanabush - Trickster. Storyteller. Shape-shifter. I also enjoyed the humor in the dialogue between Hazel and her mom and brother. You do have to be patient in the beginning, as the first part is slow and melancholy, but the storyline does gain traction in the back-half. I'm looking forward to more by this author. The audio narration was a debut was as well, and I thought she did a really nice job with the characters personalities and voices.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first attempt at reading contemporary Indigenous fiction after the Canadian Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s report created a national angst out of past misdeeds committed by settlers upon their hosts in North America. The author stays true to the script we have all been given on what those past wrongs were and on how they should be righted, so I found little that stretched my imagination, despite this being a work of fiction that has more latitude to roam than a government commission report.

Hazel Ellis is a conflicted young woman. A recent graduate with a “very white, very male-centric degree” (not sure why she enrolled if she felt that strongly!), she has returned to the Rez to live with her mother and grieve the passing of her father a year and a half ago. She is angry at the white man, and the barbs fly occasionally: “white men always win when they tell our stories,” – fair enough, it’s payback time. She also has a spiritual connection with Nanabush, a trickster who reveals himself as a crow and carries messages to her from the Spirit World, where the Seven Grandfathers reside. These seven wise spirits are not always clear in their instructions— reminding me of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus—causing Nanabush much grief.

A grievous situation has arisen: the quarry on Hazel’s property, now owned by her and her absentee brother, Gus, is about to be taken over by a white man’s mining company, because it is recorded as surrendered land. From her work in filing old records at the Rez administration office and from trips back into the past with the assistance of Nanabush, Hazel discovers the heinous machinations of the former Indian Agent, whose great-great grandson is now the mining company executive in charge of the proposed quarry mine. Hazel, with her supernatural powers, is the new Wonder Woman who can right the wrongs of the past. Nanabush, for his part, craves to be released from this flitting about between two worlds where he is respected in neither – he would either like to regain his human form or die and head off into immortality. The Seven Grandfathers too have a vested interest in the mine deal not going through.

We get the tourist’s version of a very long and accurate sweat lodge scene, which might be boring to those who have experienced one, and educational to those who haven’t. Life on the Rez is described in detail – great for those of us who don’t live in one, but quite resembling small-town living in Settler Canada, for the accoutrements of daily life—clothes, groceries, food, cars, and entertainment—are the same. There are also more than the required “dead” moments when we are either embroiled in domestic scenes between mother and daughter, or in dream sequences, or in Hazel’s peregrinations around the Rez– great for those seeking saccharine, boring for those wanting the novel to get off its ass and get going.

The author correctly includes stereotypical Rez characters like Heath Whittaker, the big, bad, greedy Indigenous construction guy who will sell out anyone for a profit, and Brian Howard, the ineffectual Band Chief, who will sign anything. Unfortunately, Whitaker and Howard are mentioned in passing and figure only as window dressing—they do not feature in the main story at all.

In her exalted superwoman status, Hazel, and her Man Friday, Nanabush, will prevail, and the author, politically correctly, presents the modern generation of settler as honest and ethical, conceding when confronted with evidence and the rule of law, making amends for their crooked ancestors who robbed the Indigenous of their land. The Commission’s remediation script is followed to the letter.

I found the writing pedestrian, and attempts to create accents (“ting” for “thing,” “den” for “then” etc.) did not quite work in the places they were applied. I wished the author had not relied on overused tropes such as “men are predictable – they haven’t changed in thousands of years.” We know that already—tell us something original. Given the prevalence of mysticism in the Indigenous way of life, mainstream literary novels like this have the advantage of covering the human and supernatural planes, without being cast into a genre such as magic realism, or fantasy, as often happens in settler literature.

However, this being fiction, I was looking for something original that would go beyond the existing Settler-Indigenous state of affairs and stretch our imagination into new possibilities. For example, what if the under-characterized Whittaker had been the villain of the piece instead of the stereotypical Indian Agent of yore? Get my point?

[Care · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crow Winter was a really comforting read. It showed a future in one small community where white settlers finally understood the damage that their ancestors have caused. After trial and error (and more meddling), the white settlers truly commit to allyship. But it was also so much more than about the Indigenous/white relationships.

This felt like such a positive book. There are beautiful descriptions and scenes with ceremony, medicine, food, ancestors, knowledge journeys. The characters are healing more than hurting. This would make a great palate cleanser in between darker content. Not that this book doesn't cover deep, complex issues like land stewardship, colonization, religious conversion, etc., just that it was done with a warm and safe feeling, it covered those topics gently.

Maybe it's just the talking trickster bird, but this reminded me a lot of Eden Robinson's Son of a Trickster series. This time it's Nanabush as a crow, not Wee'git as a raven. But they are both clever, invested in our protagonist's decisions and lives, and funny. And they both take place in a small community where our protagonists are struggling to regain their footing after trauma. So, if you're a fan of one, try the other. They're not similar in characters, culture, or plot otherwise, but I think they would appeal to common readers.

I'm thankful to Dani (@thunderbirdwomanreads on IG and GoodReads) for the great review of this book that pushed me to pick it up. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters and their home.


content warnings for: death of loved one, examination of grief, near death experience, religion, land disinheritance.

[2TReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book. It is such a rich story. Family, indigeniety and a trickster.

Karen McBride has written a lush and vivid story following Hazel as she returns home after graduating university.

At home though, she has to face memories of her father, figure out why she can communicate with a crow as well as uncover the truth about the disputed land claims of the quarry that abuts their property.

With descriptive prose that shares the belief, practices and teachings of their people, McBride has come unto the scene, solidifying why own voices stories are so important.

READ THIS BOOK. SPREAD ITS NAME. TELL A FRIEND.

[Marlies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story and the ideas in this book. It was a book I enjoyed picking up and coming back to. The writing could have used a bit more editing: it was too direct and sometimes included too much explanation which slowed some scenes down.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a first book! Great story, fabulous (literally) one-of-a-kind characters, a plot that's kinda been done before and a whole lot of heart. I loved Hazel's mother over everyone else. The dialogue sounded like real people and I loved the inclusion of Hazel's Anishinaabemowin first language. Thankfully there is a comprehensive glossary. I knew a few words (grandmother, thank you) but all the others were completely new to me. Not an overly long book as far as page length, but a judicious editor might have pointed out and reigned in some of the telling. The author also fell captive to the lure of the unnecessary hyphen at times too. Otherwise a fun book I highly recommend.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of two parts. I almost stopped reading after the first hundred or so pages because I felt dragged down by all the dialogue, the description of things that to me felt mundane or not necessary to the story. (And I would argue that some of them were not necessary.) However, after the sweat lodge scene, the plot really started to pick up the pace. I do love a story about Nanabush, and would have liked to see more scenes of him and the spirit world, and more the dream world, and less of the day to day that, at times, felt draggy, but I also got teary-eyed at the end, so take from that what you will.

[Ash (BooksToAshes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the second book I picked out for my Library Lotto game (completely at random).

I was really happy to have picked up a book from a Canadian Indigenous author, and with this being her debut novel, I have to say I'm impressed.
I enjoyed the dialogue and scenes in this book immensely, the emotion behind it and the themes of grief and loss really hit me, especially in the first half of the book.

This story mainly focuses on the protagonist Hazel, dealing with the grief of her fathers passing, while also handling the land that was left by him. The incorporation of words used in their language was beautiful, I loved flipping to the back and learning about what the words meant.

Once again, a wonderful read this month. I look forward to possibly reading more from Karen McBride in the future.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOOO glad I finally picked this one up. It was really, really good guys! For fans of Eden Robinson or Cherie Dimaline. This debut novel by Algonquin Anishnaabe writer Karen McBride was thoroughly entertaining. Hazel has come home to the Spirit Bear Point First Nation to help her mother organize her father's funeral arrangements. While home she is also contacted by Nanabush, a supernatural crow/Trickster character trying to win the favor of the gods and become human again. To do so he must help Hazel with her grief, which also involves getting to the bottom of a land rights mystery. A fantastic blend of fantasy and mystery steeped in real Canadian history and so many funny Disney Pocahontas references!! Highly recommended and great on audio!

[Natalie aka Tannat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The writing is a bit clunky but it gets bonus points for Canadiana and tackling the conflicts of the rez and the French town beside it as well as all the other cultural and political nuances.

[Kriti | Armed with A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I moved to Canada only a couple years ago and since then, I have learned a lot about the First Nations culture. Crow Winter taught me so much more and I am honored that I got the chance to read this book about First Nations traditions and loyalty to the community! Hazel has returned to her home at Spirit Bear Point First Nation after the death of her father. This is her time to recuperate and restart life after this tragic loss. Little does she know that there is a bigger purpose for her return. She meets Nanabush, a Demi-god that walks on Earth as crow. He has been sent to help her, except neither know clearly what he is helping with. What starts out an a unwanted relationship turns into a strong friendship, one with teaches both Hazel and Nanabush about themselves, about the strength that the possess, and the length to which they would go to save their community.

Told in alternating narratives by Hazel and Nanabush, this is an amazing story of loss, preservation, of growing and being open to new things, because even the strangest and un-realest of things have something to teach us. I enjoyed reading Crow Winter and am grateful for getting a glimpse into the First Nations community through the members of the Spirit Bear Point First Nation. Learning about the Seven Grandfathers, their teachings, and being part of a sweat lodge were other highlights for me.

If you are looking to let you imagination fly, and the world be challenged, to debate the presence of Demi-gods, and rethink what fantasy might look like when rooted in belief, customs, and folklore, Crow Winter will no doubt, offer more than you can hope for. I am thankful to Harper Collins CA for providing me with an advanced reader copy - I will cherish this forever!

[Padfoot.1416 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my French class so I didn’t have any expectations, but I loved it so much. I really enjoyed learning more about the Anishinaabe’s culture.

The story was beautifully written, I’m definitely keeping that book.

5/5

[gracebookster · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5, this was like a half thought out fever dream. the plot didn't start until the last 4 pages and why did bro have a crisis every time she took out the trash

[Andree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a good book. The setting is well drawn and the character-work is particularly strong. I'm generally a fan of magical realism. And I think it's always a good thing to read novels highlighting other cultures - in this case that of a First Nations reserve in Quebec. I found it very readable. I wasn't surprised to learn it was a first novel - although generally well done, the language is a little clunky from time to time.

One of the things that struck me was how the magical realism was used. The novel is about two things: 1) a daughter grieving her father's recent death, and 2) the development of a mine near the community and the potential impacts on the culture. I found it interesting how intention played a role in the second plotline. Several characters make decisions about the proposed mine (including the narrators father, other community members, the guy in the nearby small town who owns the mining company, etc.), all with the goal and intention of doing something that will be positive for all involved, and based on the best information available to them (in some cases information has either been lost, or historically suppressed). The magical realism element (the ability to travel both into dreams, and through time to see past events) allows the narrator to get the most accurate picture of what actually happened, and so make the most informed decision. It's an interesting conceit given that everyone else really was making what they thought was the best decision (in contrast to what was done in the past). The magical realism provides an interesting way of, well, finding out the facts first-hand, in a way that I suspect isn't possible in reality, in a lot of cases.

Overall, a well-written story.

[hadja 🍓🐇‧₊˚✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ce livre en soit n’était pas mauvais. L’histoire aurait pu être beaucoup plus intéressante si quelques parties étaient coupées ( selon moi bien sûr ! ). C’est la première histoire que je lis d’une auteure Autochtone donc ça fait changement et j’ai aimé ça. La mythologie autochtone est super intéressante & j’ai aimé le mélange entre celle-ci et le reste de l’histoire.

[Friederike Knabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to believe that this is Karen McBride's debut novel! Written with fluency, perception and empathy, the author recounts the story of Hazel. Returning home after finishing her university studies far away from her home on the Rez, she has to confront the loss of her beloved father and external changes that threaten her well being and that of her close community. Surprise help comes from an unexpected corner, but is it really help or something else?

Karen McBride easily draws the reader into the story, Hazel has a convincing voice. Drawing on her Anishinaabe heritage and culture, she weaved a complex story of present and past. While we follow her we learn about and gain insights into the real and the spiritual world that surrounds Hazel and her community.

[Eli lit pour la cause · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75

[Anna Marie Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars

[NinjaMuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a satisfying read, a story of a young woman finding her place, reconnecting with her heritage, and fighting injustice. It’s quiet, with tropes and beats that sneak up on you, and has a beautiful, positive portrayal of modern Indigenous life. There’s also some great dialogue. Unfortunately, I’ve read a lot of stories that use the same tropes and beats, and though McBride uses them well, they don’t seem to have much spark here. Still, it’s a solid debut and I’ll be interested to see where she goes from here.

My favourite parts, surprising nobody who knows me, were whenever Nanabush turned up, and the way McBride realizes the spirit world and its “magic”. Nanabush is wonderfully cranky and annoyingly cryptic (though I got frustrated a few times that he couldn’t just say something or understand where Hazel was coming from more), and McBride writes his crow body language wonderfully. And the spirit world? Lovely and eerie at the same time, definitely a timeless and separate world and exactly how it should be. The more magical elements of the story were great, and not overdone. I really liked how those worked and the sense of power behind them. There were a couple scenes where I thought, “Oh, that is cool.”

But enough about that. McBride’s also good with character. Her secondary characters shine especially, every one different and none of them playing to “type”. Even Hazel’s dad, who's only really seen in occasional flashbacks, is rounded and vibrant. Going along with the characterization are a strong ear for dialogue and an ability to create very solid, complex relationships. A lot of the conversations are snappy and realistic—McBride’s great at sass—and Hazel and her mom, to pick one example… that’s a mother and daughter, definitely.

That said, Hazel’s own personality didn’t always feel solid. Sometimes she was a believable twenty-something, and other times she seemed older and more jaded than she probably should have. Trying to get a handle on her was hard. I also struggled with some of her interactions with Nanabush—how long it had been since her last one, why she flipped between annoyance with him and a sort of angry, desperate need for his company, that sort of thing. I’m not sure if these are white reader problems, though. They certainly could be.

The same might go for my problem with the tropes and beats in general, or it could just be that I’ve read a lot of urban fantasy and know how these sorts of stories go. Even if McBride gets to the same places without the same kick as pure urban fantasy does, I was rarely surprised when one chapter had a moment of self-doubt or another featured an antagonist and a setback. That said, I appreciated that so much of the climax was still unexpected, and felt much the same as Hazel afterwards.

The final thing I liked about this book is McBride’s ability to interweave Hazel’s growing confidence in herself with the problems with the quarry, the white guy from town, and the spirit world. I loved seeing Hazel come into herself and her power and solve the mystery, but the parallels and complexities don’t stop there. McBride’s doing some interesting, clever things there, though it might be a white reader thing again that I felt they never quite clicked into place.

So yeah, there’s lots I liked about this, and some things that left me profoundly meh, and that evened out to an all right read. Can’t say I loved it or hated it. It’s a worthwhile read though, and like I said, a solid review. I suspect people who’re less familiar with urban fantasy plots would enjoy this more than I did.

To bear in mind: Contains racist and misguided white people, the past death of a parent, attempted suicide, and land rights … shenanigans, to put it nicely.
6.5/10

[Jerri Jerreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery, an environmental threat, a trickster god, and a modern young woman freshly graduated and back home who wants nothing to do with magic or spiritual things--I was hooked. This story has a slow magnetic pull. (It would have been a faster pull except I was reading during COVID-19's rapid changes.) The characters felt completely real to me: Hazel, her mom, her brother, Gus, her best friend, Mia, and their relationships to Hazel. However, I must confess that my favourite character, whom I scanned each page for, was Nanabush. How lovable and flawed, cranky and sassy!
One of best scenes, so beautifully realistic that I had to towel off, was the sweat lodge scene.
Read the book for sheer enjoyment, but also for a quiet friendly look inside an Anishinaabe community. Coffee, cooking, municipal government woes, moms telling you to take out the garbage--wait. That's like 'round here.j

A highly satisfying ending!

Anishnaabemowin is such an evocative language.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the debut novel by Karen McBride, a story of an Indigenous young woman, Hazel, who is struggling coming to terms with the death of her father. His death leaves unanswered questions about the future of a quarry in a wooded area near Hazel's home, and in searching for answers Hazel meets the Trickster Raven who takes her on a journey not just to cope with her grief but also to find a more lasting spiritual connection to her identity and ancestors.
The book is written very accessibly, and confronts the reader with the realities of the legacy of colonization. But it also opens the door to learning and understanding the Indigenous worldview and how why it is so important to take tangible steps towards reconciliation.