hiltzmoore's review against another edition
4.0
Disturbing is the word that keeps coming to mind about this book. It was different than any historical fiction war story that I've ever read in that it really explored the psychological horrors of war. I'm still thinking of this story and I finished the book two days ago. This one really grabbed me and I would only recommend to those who are looking for a deep, brutally honest and heartbreaking book.
mactaylor's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
whisperfox's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
[9/10]
Wow. Just wow. It was so fascinating to see a shared historical event from a completely new viewpoint. As a war book alone, this holds so much value. But in the added context of First Nations people becoming more integrated with colonized Canada, appreciated for their skill and bravery and yet still othered for those same qualities, it really shines.
The journey of this book was emotionally exhausting, but I couldn't put it down. It flowed so smoothly that when I was reading it, I completely lost track of reality and the passage of time. This despite it being written in my least favorite tense. The clash of cultural identity and the traditional ways with societal expectations and new norms was so evident in every part of the tale. It's still a violent clash, still traumatizing. But it's quieter, more hidden. It's harder to see, and harder to put into words for those experiencing it.
I love the way Boyden approaches the part of First Nations culture that is often viewed as mystic from an outside perspective. He doesn't shy away from the mysterious and the spiritual, but it all remains tied to physical things, to real and grounded life experiences. He paints the picture in such a way that it becomes not so different, even relatable, to see those more intangible practices play out on the page.
Despite the heavy content of this story, reading it never felt like a slog. The generational impact that runs through the series was so perfectly encapsulated here in the dynamic of the intertwined stories and relationship between aunt and nephew. The pacing and structure were perfectly executed. It is a book that will affect me and my thinking, probably forever.
Wow. Just wow. It was so fascinating to see a shared historical event from a completely new viewpoint. As a war book alone, this holds so much value. But in the added context of First Nations people becoming more integrated with colonized Canada, appreciated for their skill and bravery and yet still othered for those same qualities, it really shines.
The journey of this book was emotionally exhausting, but I couldn't put it down. It flowed so smoothly that when I was reading it, I completely lost track of reality and the passage of time. This despite it being written in my least favorite tense. The clash of cultural identity and the traditional ways with societal expectations and new norms was so evident in every part of the tale. It's still a violent clash, still traumatizing. But it's quieter, more hidden. It's harder to see, and harder to put into words for those experiencing it.
I love the way Boyden approaches the part of First Nations culture that is often viewed as mystic from an outside perspective. He doesn't shy away from the mysterious and the spiritual, but it all remains tied to physical things, to real and grounded life experiences. He paints the picture in such a way that it becomes not so different, even relatable, to see those more intangible practices play out on the page.
Despite the heavy content of this story, reading it never felt like a slog. The generational impact that runs through the series was so perfectly encapsulated here in the dynamic of the intertwined stories and relationship between aunt and nephew. The pacing and structure were perfectly executed. It is a book that will affect me and my thinking, probably forever.
littleknit10's review
5.0
Really enjoyed this book. I am not usually one for historical war fiction. But I flew through the last 150 pages or so.
sara_carey's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
sarinatb's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mamalemma's review
5.0
One of my all-time favorite books!
Three Day Road is a book about two Cree Indians who go off to fight in World War One, and the auntie they leave behind. The book is extraordinary. The writing is stunning: at one point, the author, speaking as an old Cree woman, describes a train as an old iron horse, sniffing the track; and says of the trees: "Blackened by soot, they bend in defeat." There are many gorgeous metaphors here.
The story itself takes place over the course of a few days -- and yet spans three lifetimes. The old auntie goes to pick up one of the boys, who -- missing a leg and deeply addicted to morphine -- is returning from war. In the days as she paddles him back home, she talks to him of her childhood to keep him alive. However, he is plagued during the trip by morphine-induced hallucinations of war. While he relives portions of the hell that is war, he also relives the times during the war when he and his childhood friend talk of their youth. As such, without feeling jolted around, you are treated to three lifetimes.
I have to say, I do NOT enjoy war stories. I am too tender-hearted and sensitive. However, this story -- despite its setting and definitely stark descriptions of war -- is a story about survival: survival of body, spirit, cultural change, relationships, family, self and love. It's truly an extraordinary book. You won't regret reading it!
Three Day Road is a book about two Cree Indians who go off to fight in World War One, and the auntie they leave behind. The book is extraordinary. The writing is stunning: at one point, the author, speaking as an old Cree woman, describes a train as an old iron horse, sniffing the track; and says of the trees: "Blackened by soot, they bend in defeat." There are many gorgeous metaphors here.
The story itself takes place over the course of a few days -- and yet spans three lifetimes. The old auntie goes to pick up one of the boys, who -- missing a leg and deeply addicted to morphine -- is returning from war. In the days as she paddles him back home, she talks to him of her childhood to keep him alive. However, he is plagued during the trip by morphine-induced hallucinations of war. While he relives portions of the hell that is war, he also relives the times during the war when he and his childhood friend talk of their youth. As such, without feeling jolted around, you are treated to three lifetimes.
I have to say, I do NOT enjoy war stories. I am too tender-hearted and sensitive. However, this story -- despite its setting and definitely stark descriptions of war -- is a story about survival: survival of body, spirit, cultural change, relationships, family, self and love. It's truly an extraordinary book. You won't regret reading it!
maryam162424's review
4.0
*4.5 stars* this was a beautiful book about healing, friendship, family, culture, war, and finding peace after a storm. Xavier’s character was so dynamic and raw that you couldn’t help but sympathize with him. Only not a 5 because at times, only a few times, I was lost focus, but other than that, amazing!