If, After Snow by Sheila Graham-Smith
I read If, After Snow earlier this month, before going on vacation and leaving my poor review sadly unwritten – but oh boy did I spend lots of time thinking about this novel, and how deeply it moved me.
I read If, After Snow earlier this month, before going on vacation and leaving my poor review sadly unwritten – but oh boy did I spend lots of time thinking about this novel, and how deeply it moved me.
I think one of the hardest things to write is from the viewpoint of a child.
The 2024 Alchemy Lecture took place at York University in October 2024, and is printed here, with an introduction by Christina Sharpe, a noted scholar and author (Ordinary Notes, which is remarkable, changed my life and thinking) who organizes the lecture each year.
Gallery of Heartache is also about trying to find healing, however that can look on any particular day, often ugly and unappealing, or messy, but still, trying to make sense.
Solitaria is clear about the story and who it’s for, as well as who it’s criticizing.
This is a really interesting anthology, and dare I say key?
[…] an interesting way to look at these kinds of familial curses, which too many of us inherit.
Mottley’s crafting of characters, distinct voices, and a nuanced plot all lead to a richer story.
Suresh’s novel is full of morally grey behaviour and each characters has trauma and reasoning for their actions.
Newton’s skill as a writer is in the subtlety of the twists in these stories, and I was continually astonished at how well he executed a story during my read. When I pulled out Blaine Newton’s short story collection Rag Pickers again, to prepare for this review, I went to look at some brief notes …
Some of the broader issues of colonialism are explored, such as residential schools and the marginalization of the Métis in particular.
Everything Is Fine Here is a great introduction to Ugandan culture, and a tender coming-of-age story in a mix of cultures and beliefs.