Scan barcode
A review by katsbooks
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Inaction is a powerful choice.”
“When someone dies, everything about them becomes past tense. Except for the grief. Grief stays in the present.
"'Please be careful. Not every Elder is a cultural teacher, and not all cultural teachers are Elders. It's okay to listen to what people say and only hold on to the parts that resonate with you. It's okay to leave the rest behind. Trust yourself to know the difference'.”
“Honor your spirit. Love yourself.”
“Love honors your spirit."
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is so incredible. I preordered it when it came out but am just now getting to it and what a great way to start November (Indigenous Heritage Month)! I didn't plan it that way but it worked out quite nicely, I think. When I first heard about this book, I was a little concerned that it might be super focused on suffering and trauma but was hopeful since it's an #ownvoices novel. When I kept hearing lots of hype, my expectations were definitely raised and it did not disappoint! I really loved how the author was able to discuss real issues facing tribes today while also balancing a genuine celebration and love around Ojibwe culture. I rooted for Daunis throughout the entire story and gasped more than once at the author's ability to end a chapter on a good cliff hanger. There were so many intense twists and turns. It will forever be one of those books that I wish I could completely forget and experience for the first time all over again.
“When someone dies, everything about them becomes past tense. Except for the grief. Grief stays in the present.
"'Please be careful. Not every Elder is a cultural teacher, and not all cultural teachers are Elders. It's okay to listen to what people say and only hold on to the parts that resonate with you. It's okay to leave the rest behind. Trust yourself to know the difference'.”
“Honor your spirit. Love yourself.”
“Love honors your spirit."
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is so incredible. I preordered it when it came out but am just now getting to it and what a great way to start November (Indigenous Heritage Month)! I didn't plan it that way but it worked out quite nicely, I think. When I first heard about this book, I was a little concerned that it might be super focused on suffering and trauma but was hopeful since it's an #ownvoices novel. When I kept hearing lots of hype, my expectations were definitely raised and it did not disappoint! I really loved how the author was able to discuss real issues facing tribes today while also balancing a genuine celebration and love around Ojibwe culture. I rooted for Daunis throughout the entire story and gasped more than once at the author's ability to end a chapter on a good cliff hanger. There were so many intense twists and turns. It will forever be one of those books that I wish I could completely forget and experience for the first time all over again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Medical content, Death of parent, and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Body shaming