A breaktaking and spectacular book. I had to stop after every chapter to admire and ponder the writing.
The story is about of two young native men and their experiences in the trenches with the Canadian army in WW I, and growing up in northern Quebec. The aunt of one of them also plays a major role. She brings her wounded nephew back north by canoe and they tell their stories to each other.
Boyden examines the cruelty of the residential schools, the strategy, violence, bravery, filth and sordidness of war, the triumphs of the Canadian soldiers, the loyalty and jealousies of close friendship, morphine addiction, and traditional native life.
Three day road is the road travelled after death to get to heaven.
The story is mesmerizing. Every phrase and detail is a fascinating and necessary part of the story. Every sentence is carved and honed to fit perfectly into the whole.
This is the most essential Canadian novel --- a must read.
Other books by this author reviewed on this blog:
Through Black Spruce ****
The Orenda *****
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