I didn't expect to love and learn so much from this book but I'm pleased to say that I did. Looking at the stories of Indigenous Canadian women who are healing from both physical and psychological scars these stories took me on a journey of strength and cultural preservation. Although it was a bit difficult to get past the first part, after that there was so much beauty.

I first learned of Carol Rose GoldenEagle from her compelling novel about the MMIWG2 issue, Bone Black. I deliberately avoided reading too much about the novel before diving in, and was thus surprised but captivated by the ways in which the novel alternated between gothic-style horror and contemporary reality to illuminate such an important issue through such a personal lens.

The Narrows of Fear (Wapawikoscikanik) reminds me of Bone Black, mostly because of the strength and complicated perseverance and resilience of its protagonists and the occasionally mystical turns that the stories take. This, to me, is GoldenEagle's strength: in presenting Indigenous and Aboriginal women reclaiming and celebrating their culture, traditions, and ways of knowing in ways that are intricate, and sometimes even humourous and unexpected. (Sure, The Narrows of Fear has both male and female main characters but I find the women more compelling.)

This is a heartbreaking and hopeful story about Indigenous Canadians healing from physical or psychological harm from people who are expected to protect them (e.g., adopted parents, elders, religious leaders). It challenges the concepts of purity, tradition and purpose, community, shame and worth.

It was difficult to get into the first half of the book because of the many interwoven character narratives and short, choppy chapters. It is also emotionally heavy, detailing sexual assault, physical abuse, and death. The second half is where the bulk of character development happened and where the story picks up.

The recalling of folktales and use of mythology was interesting, and I would have enjoyed this novel more if it were a short story collection that explored those parts more; though I appreciated the way sharing land, food, and stories led to change and growth - also hope and home.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed GoldenEagle’s narration of her writing (and singing at times). Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.