Books Like...

The Strangers, a novel by Katherena Vermette, dives deep into the lives of three generations of a Métis family living in Winnipeg. The story centers around Margaret, her daughter Elsie, and her granddaughters Phoenix and Cedar. Each character battles their own struggles with trauma, addiction, and the challenges of familial relationships, revealing the impacts of intergenerational trauma and hope for healing. The narrative shifts perspectives between the characters, particularly focusing on Cedar, who embodies the potential for change and resilience within a complicated family history.

Vermette's writing style is described as beautiful and empathetic, painting a vivid picture of each woman's story with grace and understanding. The book interweaves heavy themes of systemic racism and personal loss with moments of love and connection, making it a poignant read. Readers may find themselves drawn into the intricacies of these women's experiences and the significance of family ties, despite some feeling the conclusion left them wanting more. Ultimately, The Strangers is a powerful exploration of identity and survival, underscored by Vermette's talent for storytelling.

Five Little Indians by Cree author Michelle Good focuses on the damage done by one school, The Mission, to five different characters whose lives intersect in the years following their time at the school. The book follows the paths of Lucy, Kenny, Maisie, Clara, and Howie, five survivors of Canada's residential school system, depicting their struggles with the abuse they suffered and the long-lasting effects on their lives. The legacy of such abuse manifests in different ways in these characters being vulnerable to exploitation by strangers, developing addictions to numb the pain, fighting systemic racism, being disconnected from their family, and in some cases being driven to suicide.

'The Illusion of Separateness' by Simon Van Booy is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of six characters from different time periods and locations. The story explores the interconnectedness of these characters, revealing hidden connections and shared experiences that transcend time and distance. Through poignant storytelling and lyrical prose, the author delves into themes of love, kindness, and the profound impact of small acts of compassion on people's lives.

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.

Perla by Carolina De Robertis is a poignant tale set during Argentina's Dirty War from 1976 to 1983, focusing on Perla, an Argentinian psychology student who encounters a ghost of one of the disappeared from the era. The book skillfully weaves magical realism into the narrative, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the hidden bond between Perla and the ghost stranger, with a non-linear structure that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.

'Ironweed' by William Kennedy is a poignant and tragic tale set during the Great Depression, focusing on the life of Francis Phelan, a former baseball player turned homeless gravedigger. The novel delves into Francis's past, haunted by ghosts of his checkered history and his struggle with guilt and redemption. Through vivid imagery and descriptive writing, Kennedy portrays the underbelly of society, exploring themes of forgiveness, love, and the harsh realities faced by the homeless and destitute during that era.

The story unfolds in Albany, New York, painting a raw and gritty picture of life on the streets, where characters like Francis and his common-law wife, Helen, navigate through their past traumas and present struggles. Kennedy's writing style is described as powerful and intimate, drawing readers into the depths of Francis's journey and the atmospheric setting of Depression-era America.

'What Strange Paradise' by Omar El Akkad is a gripping tale that follows the journey of two young narrators, Vanna and Amir, as they navigate the challenges of a Greek island while trying to evade soldiers. The story intricately weaves between the present timeline where Vanna and Amir embark on an adventure to keep Amir safe, and the past timeline which explores Amir's harrowing journey from Egypt to the Greek island, encountering various characters and the immorality of those involved in transporting migrants. The author's mastery of language and ability to draw readers in with rich, evocative writing makes this book a poignant exploration of the refugee crisis, showcasing the strength and fortitude of two children from different backgrounds.

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is a poignant love story set in 1953 Tehran, where Roya and Bahman's budding romance is interrupted by a coup d'etat. The book immerses readers in the vibrant world of Iran, filled with rich descriptions of the country's sights, scents, and sounds. Despite the historical backdrop, some readers found the political elements to be lacking in depth, while others appreciated the emotional depth of the love story.

Roya's journey to uncover the truth about Bahman's disappearance spans nearly sixty years, leading her from Iran to California and back. The book weaves together themes of love, loss, and longing against the backdrop of Iran's turbulent history. While some readers praised the book for its beautiful writing style and engaging plot, others found the storyline to be predictable and the characters to be somewhat clichéd.

'We All Want Impossible Things' by Catherine Newman is a heartfelt novel that delves into the intricacies of life, love, loss, and friendship. The story follows the deep and meaningful friendship between Edi and Ash, portraying their interactions with humor, grace, and authenticity. The book beautifully captures the essence of human connections, addressing heavy topics such as death and grief with a touch of humor and relatability. The characters feel incredibly real, evoking emotions of laughter, tears, and nostalgia in the readers as they navigate through the complexities of their relationships and emotions.

The author, Catherine Newman, skillfully weaves a narrative that feels like a lived experience, drawing readers into a world where impossible things become tangible through the power of love, friendship, and resilience. Through poignant conversations and genuine interactions, the book explores the depths of human emotions and the importance of cherishing the moments shared with loved ones, even in the face of adversity.

'From the Ashes: My Story of Being Metis, Homeless, and Finding My Way' by Jesse Thistle is a raw and emotional autobiography that follows the journey of a Metis Cree child, Jesse, who grew up in a dysfunctional family with addicted parents. Abandoned by his parents at a young age, Jesse and his brothers faced hardships, addiction, homelessness, and interactions with the justice system. Despite the challenges, Jesse's story is one of redemption, determination, and ultimately finding love and a way out of his troubled past.

Thistle's writing style is described as lyrical, raw, and impactful, offering a poignant and honest look at his life experiences. delves into themes of trauma, addiction, homelessness, and the power of hope, providing a snapshot of different stages in Jesse's life through short chapters, poetry, and photographs. Readers are drawn into Jesse's narrative voice, which sheds light on the forgotten struggles of many Canadians and challenges the perception of Canada as a perfect country.