Author: Edmund Metatawabin

During a recent concert the performer, John Wort Hannom, mentioned this book in relation to a song he had written (Man of God). The library had a copy so I borrowed it.

The memoir is a shocking revelation of the abuses the author and others faced while in residential school. The book doesn’t go into great detail but you certainly get the message. It also outlines the problems our First Nations face under the Indian Act; a good insight into how the government continues to hold sway over their lives.

I don’t generally like a memoir that is written with dialogue; I find I have to keep reminding myself that the book is not a story. The messages in this one are important enough that I could overlook that.

If you aren’t inclined to read the book, please check out the song Man of God by John Wort Hannom.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: Yasmina Khadra

This novel is written by a former officer in the Algerian army. Although it doesn’t give a deep insight into the people of Kabul it was an interesting read. Any story that starts off with the stoning of a prostitute has my attention.

The story follows the lives of two different couple. Mohsen and Zenaida lead a privileged life prior to the Taliban taking control. They now barely survive but are aware they a better off than many. Atiq is employed by the Taliban; he and his wife Musarrat fail to see where his position has helped them. As the story progresses you see how each couple envision their futures.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Marilynne Robinson

This initial review came from an older version of my website. No idea of the actual date but the file the review is contained in is dated 2012.

Initial Review: The title came to my attention through an Amazon newsletter. I’d never read the author so thought I would read her first book as a test. The book won a couple of awards, and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. I enjoyed the book even though it may be considered a bit dark. I wasn’t certain until the very end whether or not things were going to “turn out okay”, but they did – sort of.

I don’t have much to add to this review. This time through I found the story less intriguing (I really didn’t remember it from the last reading) but the language used was beautiful and I’ll keep it on my shelf for that reason.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Marta Perry

I’m not sure where I picked this book up from but I think it might have been from our used book store when it was closing. I expected to learn more about the Amish way of life through the book but there wasn’t much detail in it that I didn’t already know. What was interesting though was seeing how the Amish were fitting into the wider community outside of their own compounds.

Rachel has begun work as a housekeeper in a mansion where her mother previously worked. Rachel gave up on her wedding to Jacob when her mother died and her father convinced her it was her duty to remain at home to take care of him and her brothers. When her father remarries Rachel is expected to move out of her family home. The mansion has become home to her but Jacob has also been hired to do some general labour around the house. The ending is quite predictable.

Goodreads Rating: * * *