A review by helenareadsbooks
A Blanket of Butterflies by Richard Van Camp, Scott B. Henderson
emotional
reflective
4.5
The Spirit of Denendeh series of graphic novels by Richard Van Camp, Scott B. Henderson, and Donovan Yaciuk explores the interconnected lives of Tłı̨chǫ Dene people living in Fort Smith, NWT, a town in Northern Canada. Each book has a different focus but they all touch on themes of culture, community, and healing.
Volume 1, A Blanket of Butterflies, is based on a true story of a mysterious suit of Japanese armour that was brought to a museum in Fort Smith in 1994. Little is known about the origins of the armour, and the creators of this comic speculate about its origins and journey to the NWT. They do so in a respectful manner that addresses the connections between Dene communities, Japanese Canadians, and World War II. This book tells a beautiful story about family and repatriation with amazing art.
Extra context is provided at the back of the book to further explain aspects of the story that are based on real cultures, and it was great to read about the intentional choices made in telling this story.
Volume 1, A Blanket of Butterflies, is based on a true story of a mysterious suit of Japanese armour that was brought to a museum in Fort Smith in 1994. Little is known about the origins of the armour, and the creators of this comic speculate about its origins and journey to the NWT. They do so in a respectful manner that addresses the connections between Dene communities, Japanese Canadians, and World War II. This book tells a beautiful story about family and repatriation with amazing art.
Extra context is provided at the back of the book to further explain aspects of the story that are based on real cultures, and it was great to read about the intentional choices made in telling this story.