Author Joseph Boyden makes his literary debut with this profound and moving Today's Book Club pick that contemplates the lasting traumas of war. Cree Indians and best-friends Xavier and Elijah enlist in the Canadian Army in 1915, eager to become heroes. Seasoned hunters, the men become expert snipers, but their horrifying experiences serving in World War I will leave devastating impressions on each man's life. "Friendship is riven with resentment and war is stripped of glory in this remarkable, wrenching novel, the work of a gifted storyteller."-Publishers Weekly, starred review
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"The book outlines the efforts of a Native American grandmother to save her grandson from the addictions and post traumatic syndrome of the experience of WWI. Native healing and just plain TLC help the young man recover. It's an insight into the experiences of Canadian aboriginals who participated in the Canadian military. Their experience is different in some ways than that of those from the majority culture. Because they are not "white" their abilities and loyalty are questioned. Also, they have no experience/knowledge of the so-called modern methods of warfare that are so difficult for them to handle. It's well written by a part-Cree author who teaches English at the University of New Orleans."
— Norma (4 out of 5 stars)
" I normally don't choose or enjoy books where war is a principal theme.This book is well written and layered with rich descriptions. I especially enjoyed the "auntie" character. "
— Lana, 2/20/2014" Outstanding piece of historical fiction. "
— Mj, 2/14/2014" Love Boyden. What a unique voice. "
— Noelle, 2/4/2014" A great book giving insights into WWI, Canadians and aboriginals and people in general. "
— Rick, 2/4/2014" Elegiac,lovely, talented writing. "
— Sienna, 1/27/2014" A lot of members of my book club found the war part of this book very depressing and somewhat tedious but I was very involved by the descriptions of the landscape, the characters and the events. Another example of Joseph Boyden's easily readable writing style, again with characters that I really liked and cared about. He captures a culture (the northern Ontario Cree) that I have had very little exposure to and made me interested in their way of life. I loved it. "
— Susie, 1/17/2014" A really amazing book written about WWI, a time period I have not read much of. The imagery was amazing and the characters were painted very well. Definitely a must read for people interested in the time period and who want to know about the horrors of trench warfare. "
— Vince, 1/14/2014" One of the most amazing books I have ever read. So well crafted. A tragic story of two young aboriginal boys who sign up for service in World War I. Boyden portrays the horror of war and the wounds that never heal in such a compassionate and deeply passionate way.... "
— Marilee, 1/14/2014" Great WW1 story about native Canadians fighting the first modern war. Tragic yet inspirational. "
— Craig, 1/8/2014" This is a wonderful novel. He does a wonderful job of dealing with the horrors of the first world war without being too graphic. Also, really liked how he portrayed the first nations people who fought in this war and the impact of Canadian policies on them and their communities. "
— Maryruth, 12/31/2013" What a disappointment. I gave up when I read this line of dialogue from the Cree sniper protagonist: "I can't worry, me, about what I can't control." I thought Boyden had a chance of finding his inner Cormac McCarthy, but his inner Oprah Winfrey carried the day. "
— Topher, 12/25/2013" An excellent description of the dehumanizing effect of trench warfare. Thoroughly enjoyed except the native spirituality finish -- too mystical for my taste. "
— H, 12/23/2013" Well written but I needed to take a break as the war parts were relentless-which I suppose was the intention. "
— Andra, 12/8/2013" Worthwhile read, but those who are especially sensitive to the tendency to romanticize Native Americans should read it with caution. "
— Kyle, 9/28/2013" This is one of my all time favorite books. "
— Andrea, 2/2/2013" Not one of my favorites, too depressing for me. "
— Natalie, 1/12/2013" Set in Flanders in World War I, this books shows war is truly hell. "
— Russell, 8/27/2011" two cree teenage boys from james bay join WW1 just for a little adventure. explains horrors of war and the early twentieth century white canada world of bigotry without getting too morbid. "
— Robert, 7/18/2011" Read it for the second or third time this summer. "
— Morningstar, 5/19/2011" Hypnotic, compelling story. Hard to say it was enjoyable because of the World War I carnage at the center of the tale, but highly readable. "
— Greg, 5/16/2011" <br/>Joseph Boyden's writing style is very appealing to me.<br/><br/>I loved loved loved "Through Black Spruce" and was equally as enthralled with this book. "
— Hml, 5/10/2011" This is my favourite book ever, and it beats out some very stiff competion. I can't recommend it more highly. "
— Jo, 4/30/2011" An excellent book. Maybe a little bleak at times, but written beautifully. "
— Brian, 4/17/2011" Wow, what an amazing novel. The characters are unbelievable and you can feel their misery as the fight the war to end all wars. Sad, disheartening, tragic and wonderful wrapped into one. "
— Greg, 4/13/2011" I loved this book even though at times I had to put it down and digest the contents. It was a stunning account of the trench warfare of the first World War, contributions by aborginal soldiers and the effects of warfare on the human soul. "
— Desiree, 4/8/2011Joseph Boyden grew up in Willowdale, Ontario. His first two novels, Three Day Road and Through Black Spruce won several awards, including the Roger’s Writers Trust Prize, the Canadian Authors Association Book of the Year, and the Libris Book of the Year. He teaches Canadian literature and creative writing at the University of New Orleans and splits his time between Louisiana and Canada.
Robert Ramirez came to audiobook narration fresh from his MFA in classical theater. Initially answering a casting call for a narrator who spoke Spanish, Robert has used his Mexican-American background to imbue authentic flavor and dialogue in audio titles. His powerful command of language and rich voice reflect his interest in dialects. Ramirez is the winner of eight AudioFile Earphones Awards.
Ruth Ann Phimister has appeared off Broadway and in numerous regional productions, including Life with Father with Robert Reed. She has also worked in television, film, and commercial voice-over.