This post-apocalyptic tale takes place in an Anishanaabe community located in northern Canada. Losing electricity and satellite service is not a rare event and comes with weather events such the coming winter storm. Yet on the reservation, people live their lives, feed their families and work to keep the old ways. Native language is taught as well as the importance of hunting, fishing and caring for others, particularly the wise ones, the elderly. It is not until two of their younger members return from the south, does anyone realize that this is bigger problem, far bigger than they thought. The resources of the people must be controlled to survive the winter for who knows when power will return.
It's not a complicated read. Rather, it's short and the writing is terse, complex and haunting. On the reservation life is not perfect and there are tragedies, but life goes on. When the power is gone and cell phone service dies they turn to the emergency generator. However, because of rare use there is not enough gas for all winter. People begin to panic. Store shelves are soon empty. They hunt and tap into the food reserves and share with family and neighbors. It is their way. With no way to communicate, theydo not know what happened or why. The situation worsens as intruders from the south arrive, seeking refuge, adding their own desperation as they, too, seek survival.
The primary character focus is on Evan and his two good friends. The three keep services going and communicate by moccasin when they must. Evan worries about his wife, Nicole, and their children. Auntie Aileen, the oldest in the community, is Evan's mentor, helping him learn and resurrect cultural traditions.
Tension and emotion build so that it is difficult to put this book aside. Some reviewers compare the book to others but I felt otherwise. Should such events occur the author believes or perhaps hoped that those who followed the tradions of the people would survive. Should one ask if this is only dwelling on possibilities? Read this one for yourself to draw your own conclusion.
It's not a complicated read. Rather, it's short and the writing is terse, complex and haunting. On the reservation life is not perfect and there are tragedies, but life goes on. When the power is gone and cell phone service dies they turn to the emergency generator. However, because of rare use there is not enough gas for all winter. People begin to panic. Store shelves are soon empty. They hunt and tap into the food reserves and share with family and neighbors. It is their way. With no way to communicate, theydo not know what happened or why. The situation worsens as intruders from the south arrive, seeking refuge, adding their own desperation as they, too, seek survival.
The primary character focus is on Evan and his two good friends. The three keep services going and communicate by moccasin when they must. Evan worries about his wife, Nicole, and their children. Auntie Aileen, the oldest in the community, is Evan's mentor, helping him learn and resurrect cultural traditions.
Tension and emotion build so that it is difficult to put this book aside. Some reviewers compare the book to others but I felt otherwise. Should such events occur the author believes or perhaps hoped that those who followed the tradions of the people would survive. Should one ask if this is only dwelling on possibilities? Read this one for yourself to draw your own conclusion.
