Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a beautifully written, deeply moving story about resilience and survival in the face of trauma. Richard Wagamese uses gorgeous prose to tell the story of Saul Indian Horse, a boy navigating the horrors of the Canadian residential school system while discovering an unexpected lifeline through hockey. The book shines a light on a dark chapter of Canadian history, yet manages to weave in hope, family, and healing. It's a powerful read for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, Canadian history, Indigenous experiences, or literary fiction that digs into both hardship and hope. And don't worry - you don't need to know (or even like) hockey to appreciate the story's heart!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the detailed hockey descriptions a bit much, especially if sports aren't their thing. The book can also be a tough read, with its unflinching look at abuse, racism, and trauma, so sensitive readers should be aware. A few wished the pacing was faster in the beginning, and some found the focus on Saul's inner journey less compelling than the external events. If you're looking for a light, easy read or want to avoid heavy, emotional content, this might not be for you.
About:
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese is a powerful and heartbreaking story that delves into the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy who was taken from his family and sent to a residential school in Canada. Despite the brutalities he faced, Saul finds solace in the game of hockey, using it as an escape from his traumatic past. The book beautifully captures Saul's journey of healing and self-discovery as he navigates through the challenges of racism, abuse, and addiction, ultimately finding strength in his cultural roots and community support. Wagamese's writing style is described as poignant and poetic, with vivid descriptions that evoke strong emotions in the readers.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include abuse, trauma from residential schools, racism, and alcoholism.
From The Publisher:
Named a Best Novel of the Decade by Literary Hub
Saul Indian Horse is a child when his family retreats into the woods. Among the lakes and the cedars, they attempt to reconnect with half-forgotten traditions and hide from the authorities who have been kidnapping Ojibway youth. But when winter approaches, Saul loses everything: his brother, his parents, his beloved grandmother-and then his home itself.
Alone in the world and placed in a horrific boarding school, Saul is surrounded by violence and cruelty. At the urging of a priest, he finds a tentative salvation in hockey. Rising at dawn to practice alone, Saul proves determined and undeniably gifted. His intuition and vision are unmatched. His speed is remarkable. Together they open doors for him: away from the school, into an all-Ojibway amateur circuit, and finally within grasp of a professional career. Yet as Saul's victories mount, so do the indignities and the taunts, the racism and the hatred-the harshness of a world that will never welcome him, tied inexorably to the sport he loves.
Spare and compact yet undeniably rich, Indian Horse is at once a heartbreaking account of a dark chapter in our history and a moving coming-of-age story.
Ratings (6)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (1) |
Reader Stats (19):
Read It (6) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (4) |
1 comment(s)
Very good story. The twist is a little shocking at first but after I thought about it I could see the seeds being planted for awhile in the book. The way it ended was also great. Left me wanting more but knowing I didn’t really need more.
What can you read after
Indian Horse?
About the Author:
Richard Wagamese (1955-2017) was one of Canada's foremost writers, and one of the leading indigenous writers in North America. He was the author of several acclaimed memoirs and more than a dozen novels. He won numerous awards and honors for his writing, including the People's Choice winner of the national Canada Reads competition in 2013, for Indian Horse.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
