Moon of the Crusted Snow

Author: Waubgeshig Rice

Many thanks to Dylan for this recommendation; he had to read the book for his college English class. His review was that it was okay – high praise as he is not a reader. I, on the other hand, absolutely loved it and I have the sequel on my night table to start reading tonight.

The book reminded me so much of the lives of the First Nations people I knew in the North, particularly Fort Smith. There were also incidents in the book that brought back memories of things that actually happened – teens freezing to death and a hint of cannibalism.

Evan and his family live on a reservation in the northern part of Ontario. One day, as winter is approaching, they lose electricity and, soon after, all contact with the “outside”. Only when two young people return to their homes from college do they find out that the situation has been experienced beyond their community. As the elders and council attempt to keep order and make sure everyone is safe a southerner arrives in the community, bringing a disruptive influence in their lives.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *