Who Would Like This Book:
This book's got a gripping, thoughtful premise - a dystopian North America where dreamless non-Indigenous people hunt the last dreamers, Indigenous folks, for their marrow. Dimaline's storytelling is immersive, blending urgent themes (colonialism, climate change, found family) with authentic, tender characterization. Fans of dystopian fiction, readers interested in Indigenous voices, and anyone who likes stories about survival, resilience, and hope will be drawn in. There's a lot here for classrooms and book clubs, too, as it invites important conversations about history, justice, and identity.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you're looking for a fast-paced, twist-heavy YA dystopian, you might find the pacing a bit slow - much of the tension is in the characters' relationships and cultural storytelling rather than action scenes. Some readers didn't connect with the romantic subplot or felt the world-building and plot resolution could have gone deeper. Those put off by narratives where the allegory is prominent might also wish for a subtler touch.
About:
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline is a dystopian novel set in a future Canada where indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, the key to dreaming which the rest of the population has lost. The story follows Frenchie, a 16-year-old Metis boy who joins a group of indigenous people fleeing north to escape the recruiters. Through a nonlinear narrative, the book explores themes of survival, loss, family, and the exploitation of indigenous cultures in a post-apocalyptic world.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include themes of violence, racism, genocide, environmental damage, and discussions of residential schools.
Has Romance?
There is a romantic subplot between the protagonist Frenchie and a girl named Rose, providing a medium level of romance within the story.
From The Publisher:
In a world where most humans have lost the ability to dream, indigenous people are being slaughtered for their bone marrow. Fifteen-year-old Frenchie holds the key, but can he save his friends? "Riveting science fiction" -SLJ Mature content
Ratings (9)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (46):
Read It (10) | |
Want To Read (27) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (8) |
2 comment(s)
This book highlights a tough part of the world’s history that more people should know about. It talks about the loss of culture/land, the fight to preserve it all, and growing up. It is based in the future and located in Canada. I highly recommend people visiting the website “Native Land Digital” to see a new perspective on today’s maps, learning more about the indigenous tribes mentioned in the book (ie. The Cree), and the indigenous boarding schools.
That ending <3 also this book had captured indigenous struggles so well but in a future sense also. Love it
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The Marrow Thieves?
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