Five Little Indians

This is a heavy one in a way that only historical fiction can be imo. The fact I can remember all the stories about unmarked graves just a couple years ago from schools such as the one's in the book just adds additional gravity. Because you know that while the story you're consuming may be heartbreaking, the scope is so vast that there are thousands of Kenny's, Maisies, Howie's, etc out there. Many, many thousands who never had a voice to tell their story.

I appreciate this book immensely for telling the story it does, because it reminds us that tragedy isn't localized especially when your policy is essentially “kill the Indian, save the man”. Systematic racism like this ripples out and touches entire communities for many, many generations to come. And it's important to recognize that when discussing current issue's that effect such communities.

So the subject matter, the emotional impact, and the historical/cultural importance...I'm there for all that. But having said all the above, the writing just doesn't jive with me. From characterization, to dialogue, to what I felt were plot conveniences etc. There's just too many things I didn't personally like that pulled me out of the book.

I'd still recommend it though, because I firmly believe that understanding the abuses of the past is key to understanding communities of the present. And I think this book can be a starting point towards that for some. 

Every Canadians, especially those who are willing to learn about indigenous peoples' struggle in residential schools, should read this. It was well written with stories of 5 (and more) aboriginal people and interconnected in a way or another. I loved how they all are connected and each of them had different characteristics. Yet they supported each other during residential school and outside.