The Theory of Crows

by David Alexander Robertson

A poignant and evocative novel about the bonds of family and the gifts offered by the land

When a troubled father and his estranged teenage daughter head out onto the land in search of the family trapline, they find their way back to themselves, and to each other

Deep in the night, Matthew paces the house, unable to rest. Though his sixteen-year-old daughter, Holly, lies sleeping on the other side of the bedroom door, she is light years away from him. How can he bridge the gap between them when he can’t shake the emptiness he feels inside? Holly knows her father is drifting further from her; what she doesn’t understand is why. Could it be her fault that he seems intent on throwing everything away, including their relationship?

Following a devastating tragedy, Matthew and Holly head out onto the land in search of a long-lost cabin on the family trapline, miles from the Cree community they once called home. But each of them is searching for something more than a place. Matthew hopes to reconnect with the father he has just lost; Holly goes with him because she knows the father she is afraid of losing won’t be able to walk away.

When things go wrong during the journey, they find they have only each other to turn to for support. What happens to father and daughter on the land will test them, and eventually heal them, in ways they never thought possible.

Genres: Indigenous, Fiction, Canada, Audiobook, Book Club, Mental Health, Contemporary

308 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2022

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

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Until now, David A. Robertson has written books for young people—many of them actually—and this is his first “adult” novel. And it’s truly excellent! Robertson is Canadian and Indigenous. I’ve read quite a number of Indigenous novels over the last few years and I plan to read a lot more. It would be wrong to say it’s a generalised trait of Indigenous authors, but all those I’ve read have such a lovely way of writing. It’s very gentle. It’s very thoughtful. And it’s very, very sensitive. I don’t know how to properly describe it; I just know I’m drawn to it. It suits me so well—like when you pull on your favourite sweater. It just feels right!

Theory of Crows is the story of Matthew and Claire, and their teenage daughter, Holly (short for Hallelujah). Matt has suffered with anxiety for most of his life and for the last several years has used medication to help control it. But after such an extended period on meds, he feels his mind has become foggy—“effed up” as he calls it. Claire and Holly have noticed it too, and lately both feel he’s completely checked out of the family. He and Claire don’t talk much anymore. Holly has stopped speaking to him completely and won’t allow him to speak to her either. But Matt has always been especially close to his father, whom the family calls “Moshom”—Cree for Grandfather. Moshom is an elder in the community, as well as an ordained minister, and he has a remarkable way of calming Matt, bringing him back to centre. So after a particularly scary anxiety attack, Matt decides to pay Moshom a visit.

I can’t say much more without spoiling the story. I’ll just say that, eventually, Matt and Holly take a journey of discovery to Norway House—the northern community where Matt and his parents were born. But their relationship is still quite tentative. Holly’s hurt that he hasn’t been there for some pretty important milestones, and he understands he has a lot to make up for. As you might guess, the trip will be life-changing.

Robertson is such a talented writer, and I’m a very loyal reader. Once I find an author I really like, I’ll read everything they publish. So, naturally, I’m hoping he continues to write adult novels. Come on, David A.! Please keep them coming!

5 "could-have-been-drowned-in-regret" stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your moshom never lied to me, but there were Cree legends he told me that I knew weren’t true, that represented something else. Like I know that Canada isn’t actually on the back of a turtle. I know that Wisakedjak didn’t create humans. He didn’t make mud out of dirt and water, mould that mud into a humanoid figure, dry it over fire, and breathe life into it. The theory of crows seemed equally tenuous, but provable, if you were to go to the place where you would be remembered.

Centred on a Winnipeg-dwelling Cree family disconnected from their ancestral lands, The Theory of Crows is a universally relatable domestic drama. When a middle-aged man finds himself suffering with anxiety and depression, and walls himself off from his wife and teenage daughter, a personal tragedy will send the father and daughter on a dangerous trek back to those ancestral lands; seeking the soul medicine that can only be found there, held in the memory of the crows and in the memory stored in the land itself. I found much to like in this story — even if I found the line-by-line writing to be a bit clunky — and as this is the first adult novel released by celebrated children’s author David A. Robertson, it holds out the promise for even greater things ahead. Rounding down to three stars for the clunky bits I didn’t believe.

Your grandfather used to say that you could remember the land, even if you’d never been on the land before. Your grandfather used to say that the land could remember you. It works the same way with crows, Hallelujah. They remembered him, they would remember me, and they remember you. They pass these things down through the generations.

From a young age, Matthew was awe-struck by the enormity of the night sky, and a fear of the void could send him into a panic; a panic only his father — an Elder, an ordained minister, a trained counsellor — could calm. As he grew older, Matt began to rely on Xanax (“as required”, and he required quite a lot), and between the anxiety and the meds, he began to zombie his way through life, ignoring and disappointing his wife and daughter. That sixteen-year-old daughter Holly (named “Hallelujah” at birth for her miraculous existence) is beginning to act out in reaction to her father’s emotional absence, and to make matters worse, she’s beginning to experience panic attacks of her own. Although Matt and Holly are both vehemently non-spiritual — neither believing in God or following Indigenous ceremony — they are forced to rely on the ways and beliefs of the Cree if they hope to complete a fraught trip to their ancestral trapline in northern Manitoba.

Robertson recently released a memoir, Black Water, which revolves around just such a trip he took with his own father, and in this interview with the CBC, he explains how he used learnings from that trip to deal with his own mental health issues that were affecting his relationships with his family (and especially with his eldest daughter). As quoted in the interview, writing The Theory of Crows “was a way for me to continue to heal, because sharing truths through story is healing for me.” I commend Robertson for his bravery and candour in sharing the truth at the heart of this story, but again, it wasn’t an entirely successful novel for me. I’ll put an example of why behind spoiler tags: The scene where Holly and her friends are drinking and decide to test the local urban legend (will running around the church three times make Satan appear?) seemed like an interesting bit, but right from the beginning, I had a credibility issue: Would a Winnipeg-raised kid be thinking that “the snow was deep” if it was “up to her ankle”? And, OK, the snow was deeper around back, and they had been drinking, but would Holly the athlete not actually be able to circle the church more than twice? And even though it states that at least Charmaine did complete three laps, since Holly blacked out (I guess?) at some point, we never learn what Charmaine sees — I don’t think Charmaine appears in the rest of the book — and that made the whole scene pointless to me.

Regret covers everything. It’s like thick fog. It’s hard to see through. Your grandfather says that he doesn’t regret anything because you can’t change what happened. I don’t know if I believe him. I think we all wish that we could go back and do at least one thing over again…We can drown in regret.

The first part of this story — showing the disconnection growing between Matt and his family and Holly’s rebellious reaction — was absolutely relatable and I believed that this was a real family. The second half — a father-daughter canoe trip into the unknown — was undeniably tense and adventuresome, and the fact that Matt and Holly were city-dwellers attempting to regain something of their indigenous heritage also made this half relatable: they had no special skills or knowledge to carry them through and the dangers were real. But because they were from this land, and the land did remember them, they experienced a type of healing — a soul medicine — that wouldn’t be available to the settler population, and there is magic in that. The story arc and many of the specific situations did work for me, but this loses stars for the clunky bits that didn’t.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Theory Of Crows packs an emotional punch. It's the story of self discovery, coming of age and family relationships. I felt this story deep inside my soul. The storytelling and beautiful imagery pulled me in and held me until I turned the very last page.

Don't take life for granted, make time for relationships. Nurture them. Grudges? Learn to forgive and move forward.

A special story that I highly recommend!

My thanks to Harper Collins Canada for this gifted copy!

Content Warnings: please keep in mind these may contain spoilers!
Self Harm, Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Affair, Suicidal Ideation, Loss Of Parent, Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Drowning.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS - The Theory of Crows is set in the beauty and ruggedness of northern Manitoba and is a poignant story told from the perspectives of Matthew, an emotionally distant father, and his teenage daughter Holly, who are unsure if they can repair the increasingly fractured bond between them.

Matthew has pulled away from his wife and teenage daughter as he struggles with his mental health and the choices he's made that now threatened to destroy his family. When tragedy strikes, Matthew and Holly set out on a trek to find the long-lost family trap line and its through this journey that Robertson explores Matthew and Holly's complicated relationship and their road to healing. I enjoyed getting the POVs of both Holly and Matthew as well as the inclusion of letters Matthew has written, but not yet given, to Holly. These give readers insight into his thoughts, struggles, regrets, and desires for his own life and that of his daughter.

This is a quiet but powerful story that explores many themes including strained family relationships, mental health, grief, healing, and the impact of our own struggles on the loved ones around us. The imagery is vivid and the topics poignant and I appreciate that Robertson doesn't shy away from difficult subject matter and manages them with a gentle hand. (see trigger warnings after disclaimer)

The Theory of Crows is a slower moving and compelling coming-of-age story that gives readers much to reflect upon. It is a tale that blends Indigenous culture with an emotional story centred around a father and daughter who find strength in their past and heritage as they see if they can mend their fractured relationship.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to HarperCollins Canada for my complimentary advanced copy which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

Trigger Warnings: Death, loss, self-harm, mental illness

[Jenn (burlingtonbiblio) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
Theory of Crows by David A Robertson

Thank you to @harperperrenial for my gifted copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own. Release September 2022

⚠️Trigger Warnings⚠️
- Depression
- Self harm
- Alcoholism
- Suicidal ideation
- Anxiety

Themes
- Journey of self discovery
- Familial relationships
- Indigenous peoples connection to Turtle Island
- Teenage transition to adulthood/coming of age
- Storytelling
- Indigenous histories
- Family death

Characters
Hallelujah aka Hall
- teenager with growing pains, trying to understand her fathers depression and her own, desperately seeking a connection with her father, she feels lost and alone
Matthew
- a father and husband struggling with depression and anxiety, he has lost his connection to himself, he seeks to fill a void he cannot define

Thoughts
Powerful storytelling and imagery allow this story to flow fluidly
The bond between family members is strong… even with those we have lost… love when you are hurting is hard, compassion for others and their journey can be harder. It is those that support us at our worst and forgive our transgressions that help heal us and move forward on life’s path.

This book is one whose message will stay with me for awhile.

[Fraser Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is split between a father with chronic depression, trying to figure out who he is after at the impetus of a bad situation he cultivated with a co worker, the other half being that man’s daughter, who similarly finds herself at a crossroads. Both are indigenous and that feeling of not belonging playing a roll, but both are grounded in teenage problems and something like mid-life crisis conjoined with mental health.

Overall, I felt the writing was indicative of YA, which this author has written most of. The marketing of it as adult fiction might not have been the best choice, though one of the characters is an adult. There���s no content I’d label as strictly adult fiction, either. The plot is fairly basic, the interiority is very tell and not show, sometimes reiterating the same points. The dialogue is more concerned with feeling natural than being very effective. It is very simplistic and communicates a prescriptive message. It just feels like a YA book, and I had much higher expectations.

[Shelly Seward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Theory Of Crows by is an easy 5 stars for me. As a non-Indigenous person I read books by Indigenous authors (mainly Canadian) partly to educate myself, and also because I find the stories interesting and the writing is like poetry to me. This father-daughter story is written so beautifully. You can feel the pain the characters are going through and you can see how important nature and the environment is to helping them heal.

[Kelly (miss_kellysbookishcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Theory of Crows
Author: David Alexander Robertson
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.75
Pub Date: September 13, 2022

Thanks to HarperCollins Canada for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

T H R E E • W O R D S

Multilayered • Atmospheric • Fierce

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Matthew, has dealt with anxiety his entire life. Recently, his wife Claire, and daughter Hallelujah (Holly), have noticed he had been drifting farther away. In fact, Holly has completely stopped talking to him. Matthew, aware of the fractured relationship wants to bridge the gap, but has no idea where to even begin.

In the wake of a family tragedy, Matthew and Holly journey together onto the land in search of a long-lost cabin on the family trapline. Yet they are both searching for something so much bigger. When things go array, they must learn to depend on each other, something that will ultimately bring them together.

A powerful story of love and loss, of healing and belonging, and of self-discovery and coming-of-age.

💭 T H O U G H T S

The gorgeous cover caught my eye and, of course, I immediately added it to my TBR. When I read the premise Theory of Crows became one of my most-anticipated releases of 2022. And it did not disappoint!

What a beautiful exploration of the power of story, reflection and reconnection with the land, and familial bonds (even in death)! This novel blends Indigenous culture with an emotional journey between a father and a daughter. Matthew's letters between chapters added another layer to the story. These gave a greater insight into his thoughts, his struggles and his regrets.

The author takes a reflective approach with the writing, using beautiful imagery, and transporting me directly into the story. I could feel their pain, their struggles, their heartbreaks. I thought it was a beautiful portrait of healing, and the mental health representation came across as being very genuine, which I appreciated.

My one wish... I wanted more of Matthew and Holly's time on the land. Their journey was my favourite portion, so I was a tad disappointed that it took so long to get there. I was expecting their journey to be the main focus, but there was way more build up than anything.

Theory of Crows is one of those stories I felt inside my bones. It made me reflect on not taking life for granted, and making time for the ones we love. I hope David Alexander Robertson writes more adult fiction, because I'll be keeping my eyes out. I don't say this often, but I can see myself picking this one up for a re-read. Do yourself a favourite and pick this one up!

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers who like father/daughter stories
• anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Indigenous culture

⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, grief, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, colonization, alcohol, alcoholism, drug abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety, panic attacks/disorders, mental illness, infidelity

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"People talk so much but say so little."

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. The story’s premise is good. But the writing is juvenile and filled with inaccuracies. These two people head to northern Manitoba in early May to canoe in an area they’ve never been and with little actual experience on the land? And they end up in the water? It would still be cold as hell. Like life threatening cold. And it became clear this dude has rarely spent time in the north when he talks about what the land looks like and suggests to his daughter that they can “pick berries, they’re everywhere…” lol in early May? In northern Canada? Ok, sure.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Theory of Crows by David A. Robertson. As a Winnipeger, I really enjoyed all the references to our great city and always pleased me when I found one and knew where it was! The story started out slow for me, a lot of build up in Part 1 of the broken relationship between Matt and Holly. I enjoyed part 2 much more and wished there was more adventure. Overall, 3.5 stars!

[Janne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still think this is YA angst story. Sorry.

[Sarah Janzen (sarahgreatbooktoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You can’t know what a book is about by looking at its cover. Some terrible books have great covers, some great books have terrible covers, and everything in between. To Holly, it seemed as though reserves, for the most part, were books that had been given awful covers. She wasn’t naive— she knew there were struggles in First Nations communities, some that she was aware of, some that she couldn’t understand- but in driving through Norway House to get to the cabin she and her father had rented, she knew there was more. She knew there were good things.”

In case you aren’t familiar, David Robertson is a graphic novelist and has written many middle grade and children’s picture books. The Theory of Crows is a work of fiction about a journey between a father and daughter- they both are working to find themselves, but also to bridge the ever widening chasm that has been driving their relationship apart. The story was slow (until the last third of the book), but I found the tone of the writing to be quiet, emotional, and reflective. I appreciated learning more about Cree culture and teachings, and how it was integrated through the story.

I should note that I just really liked the passage I quoted above. I’m sure there were other quotes from the book that would have given a more accurate feel or description of the book. Thank you to @harpercollinsca for a gifted advanced copy of this book and @netgalley for a digital ARC. It publishes today!

[Maggie (Magsisreadingagain) · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Robertson has become an autobuy author for me, and I am never disappointed with his books. He has a storytelling ability that is incomparable, drawing me into the setting and the story, and walking me through the struggles and joy. The Theory of Crows, his first adult novel, was no exception from the delights he offers in his middle-grade and YA books. The relationship between Matthew and Holly is beautiful in its poignancy and pain, and reminded me that the simple moments with our loved ones are the most precious we have. I highly recommend this, and all his other books.

Thank you to Harper Collins Canada and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Theory of Crows is a contemporary adult fiction told from two perspectives, an emotionally distant and disconnected father, Matthew and his teenaged daughter, Holly. When a tragic event occurs, father and daughter come together to search for a long-lost cabin on the family's trapline where the land will test them when their journey doesn't go according to plan.

I dropped everything I was reading to start this newest book from David A. Robertson, and I am now an emotional wreck! I stayed up late one night reading chapter after chapter of this story as I wiped away tears because this book felt eerily familiar down to the most minute of details that I could go on and on about it.

This book is filled with such sentimentality from the wisdom of Robertson's Swampy Cree heritage, and his own personal grief in healing from parental loss. I loved the inclusion of Matthew's heartfelt notes throughout and how Holly's chapters felt a little more YA in contrast to Matthew's. I think that this book will appeal to both adult readers and those emerging out of the YA genre. There were many musical and pop culture references as always, and it wouldn't be a David Robertson book without a Star Wars reference, am I right?

My only concern with this book would be to add a trigger warning tor readers that there are scenes involving inflicting self harm and the loss of a parent.

Thank you Dave for writing another amazing book that felt incredibly relatable. The legacy you continue to create for your family and community is so admirable. I will be adding this one to my "keeping forever" shelves in September when it is published.

Thank you to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kasey Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only describe this book as a journey. The parent/child relationship can be a complicated one, and this was a gripping story of how our growth as individuals can not only push us apart, but bring us together.

[Kaitlyn Lachance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t ever do this, but I don’t have to wait till I finish this book to give it a 5 star rating. This book is so special and beautifully written - a true love letter from a father to a daughter, intertwined with indigenous spirituality and kinship. A book I’ll cherish for many moons to come

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, moving - haunting - exploration of inter-generational trauma as seen through the eyes of a father and daughter.

This is David A. Robertson at his best… from the heart - written in isolation as part of his own grieving process over the loss of his own father… which of course lends an authenticity - a power - to the telling that might be absent otherwise.

Beautiful prose. Solid character development - Holly and Matthew both… and let’s not forget Moshum and Kokum. The slow awakening - unfolding understanding - and appreciation of their Indigenous spiritual beliefs that occurs as father and daughter come to terms with themselves, their emptiness, their grief and their lost connection to both the land and their language keeps you spellbound.

So glad for this foray into the world of Adult Fiction. Everyone - young and old - needs to read David’s work.

[Emma Côté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally returning to review this one!

I couldn't put this one down. I love stories that detail the experience of both a parent and child relationship separately, but allow them to overlap where needed, which this novel did perfectly with the dual narrative. It felt like Robertson was really able to get into the mind of both protagonists in an effective and believable way that made me root for them as individuals. The themes were touching and emotional, timeless and relatable without becoming completely overwhelming. As somebody who worked in adventure tourism for over a decade, my only concern is with the ending and how the pair actually managed to finish their trip lol. Overall it was an incredible read, and I look forward to a lot more from this author.

[Laurie W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of the story and some aspects of the story. The characters were interesting but weakly developed. The writing was oversimplified and slightly awkward, no flow. And there was too much that was not credible. Really? You’re going to randomly pick a direction instead of doing a recce when you know one of the choices will lead to your canoe going over a waterfall? You’re going to burn dozens of heartfelt letters written by your dad because you’d rather just talk to him? For two examples. There were many others.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

I cannot speak to the Indigenous representation in this novel, and highly recommend reading reviews from Indigenous reviewers.

This book covers many difficult topics and important themes in a way that is reflective, inspiring, and beautifully integrates Indigenous culture. The story centers on a parent-child relationship - more than one in fact - with both grief and mental health being large themes throughout the book. The story is real and raw, and even though it is sad and frustrating to see these characters going through these things, there is ultimately something inspiring from the arc of the story and the characters relationships.

I really liked the letters that are included between chapters as an extra insight into the character of Matthew, his struggles, and his internal thoughts and feelings. It helped you connect more to his character. While Holly is a frustrating teenager, the growth that she has throughout the novel in her relationship with the people and world around her makes the reader reflect as well.

While I truly did like the character and stories, there were a few things that made it harder for me personally to rate this book higher. One of these has to do with a trigger, so please read below carefully.
- TW: DRUG ABUSE - I had a really hard time with the drug abuse that Holly's character did. There are a couple scenes where she steals pills from her father and takes them, even taking more than she probably should, and multiple scenes where she wishes for more pills or that she could take them. I can understand why this was included to an extent. However, I think the story could have been just as compelling and well-done without this addition. It almost felt unnecessary to the story, and I honestly felt uncomfortable reading the scenes about a teenager abusing prescription drugs multiple times...
- The book is pitched as a father and daughter coming together over the land to work on their strained relationship. This was only for about the last third of the book. I was surprised how small of a section of the book this was based on the pitch I had read for it. Because I had gone in thinking this was the larger bulk of the book, the plot really bogged down in the middle for me when we still hadn't gotten to the characters going to find the trapline. I don't think this is anything against the book - I think this is more for the pitch/synopsis that I had encountered giving me some false expectations that I held onto.

I did really like all of the discussions of grief and mental health. I think they are done really well in a way that highlights how real and devastating both can be to people's lives, and how people cope, medicate, hide, get through, etc. Both grief and mental health were incredibly integral to the story and the characters' growth.

Tread lightly with the trigger warnings going into this read, but it is a very important and poignant read.

TW: death of parent, death, grief, mental illness, self harm, alcohol, blood, drug abuse, cursing, colonisation (residential school mentions), infidelity, injury/injury detail, panic attacks, vomit

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read but, although this was adult fiction, it felt more like it was aimed at young readers. The conversations never seemed more than vehicle's to move the story forward.

The relationship between Holly and her father is at the centre of this book, told in two parts. The first part tells us how Matthew has drifted away from his family and how Holly is not coping with an emotionally absent father. Part two is Matthew attempting to become closer to Holly by undertaking a trip up north to find his father's old trap line and bury his father's ashes in the land he loved.

The story is based in Winnipeg, a city I know very well, and I enjoyed reading about areas that are familiar to me. The first part of the book takes place in winter and the descriptions of the bitter cold brought back memories. However, the trip taken up north to Norway House in the second part was pretty unbelievable. May is still cold and up past Ashern and the north of Lake Winnipeg, it would still be pretty frigid, and yet they begin a canoe trip with barely more than backpacks for supplies and even seemingly less knowledge of how to navigate the river. This just didn't work for me.

I also felt that the character of Matthew was rather flat and certainly needed fleshing out. Holly just sounded like an angry and angsty sixteen year old with too many f*cks thrown around. I guess I'm old fashioned but most kids I know did not speak to their parents in this way, ever. Unless they had a death wish. Maybe that is just more proof that Matthew was flat as a character.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robertson's writing style is absolutely beautiful and is perfectly highlighted in this book. He effortlessly switches between the hazy and poetic dream/memory sequences and the emotional realistic moments in the story in such a natural and flowy way that illustrates just how phenomenal of a storyteller he is. The issues between a dad and daughter both struggling with their own anxieties hit super close to home and it was refreshing to see an Indigenous story where the parents are actively working to overcome their generational trauma and have good relationships with their families.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of Moshom McIvor in the first half of the novel. Much of the plot hinges on the characters' relationships with him and I would have liked to see more of those relationships developed earlier on.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kisinaw - the Cree word for being cold outside. This book is perfect for December, and to end the year's reading on a beautiful note.
The Theory Of Crows is a gorgeous read, the first adult fiction novel by author David A. Robertson.
It's the story of teenager Holly (Hallelujah) and her father Matthew, and their struggles both as individuals and as father-daughter.
A family tragedy forces them to find their way, and to reclaim their Cree family history and identities.
There is much to relate to and learn from with these thoughtfully crafted and realistically flawed characters.
It's a story of healing and acceptance I won't soon forget.
Absolutely recommended!

[Jane Mulkewich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new book out by this award-winning author, focusing on the relationship between a father and daughter. The daughter is a teenager and so this book is suitable for teenagers or anyone who can relate to teenage angst, and is also about the "emptiness" felt by the father, who is searching for meaning in life. He is an indigenous man who has become mostly estranged from his community, living in Winnipeg about 8 hours drive from his home community. Without revealing any spoilers, the father-daughter duo take a trip back to the land, to the trapline of their father/grandfather, where neither one of them has ever been before. The adventure poses more risks than either of them expected! A story about finding connection, with the land and with each other.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had so many issues. Did it have an editor? Repetitive descriptive words and phrases. Every scene was described in painful detail. I’m fine with swearing in a novel but fuck was so overused.

So much around Matthew’s depression but nothing is ever really explained. He over medicates, he cheats, he self harms but we never know why. Just some weird tool to allow the character to behave in a certain way.

The whole thing around the canoe trip was just so annoying. Who brings their child on a canoe trip in northern Canada in May when they have zero experience in something like that. It seemed like a super lazy way for the author to reach the climax between daughter and father.

Would not recommend.

[Steph Percival · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about fathers & daughters, what happens when we lose our way, & the vital role that stories & staying connected to our roots play in keeping us grounded, in giving us reasons to keep going.

(Really, this would have been a 3.5 star rating if Goodreads allowed .5 stars.)

[snowywinters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the book takes a LONG time to get started but I really appreciated the fact it spent about 200 pages really letting us immerse into the world that was built and the characters struggles. By doing this, when the book reaches the climax and our main characters go through trial and peril, I was so engaged and felt myself caring all the more about every small interaction. I even cried. It was truly worth the read!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a family drifts apart, a devastating loss sends a father and his teen daughter out to find the family trapline. Lost in the wilderness, to themselves, and to each other The Theory of Crows weaves a masterful tale of what it means to love, to grieve and to heal.

This book might just be my favourite of the year. Robertson masterfully demonstrates that Indigeneity does not have a single definition and constructs a narrative of love, loss and healing that will resonate with so many. I can't get over the complexity of his characters! I loved them, I hated them- I wanted to take them and shake them at times. I won't be able to stop thinking about this book for a long, long time and am sad that more people in my life don't know about it. I'll definitely be recommending this to quite a few people.

[Carolyn Guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I kept delaying reading this book, but I did and I regret that. Robertson is a good storyteller who keeps you captivated - I read this in a little over a day. I'm looking forward to his future writing and definitely checking out his blacklist.

[Amy McLynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. Oh my goodness, READ THIS BOOK. It's been awhile since I've cried multiple times reading a book. It's so beautifully written and the characters are so authentically raw... I cannot say enough good things. I'm heartbroken that I'm done, I did not want this novel to end.