Fire Exit offers a rich blend of Indigenous history and compelling themes of family, identity, and the intricate connections that shape our lives. As a debut novel, it showcases Talty’s skill in weaving these elements together, though the pacing is slow, which might not resonate with everyone. While I found myself wanting to know more about the daughter’s story, the novel provides a thoughtful exploration of Indigenous experiences.

Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Knopf Canada for the advance reader copy.

Who wants to read a book about someone’s day-to-day life? I don’t know about your life, but I think a book about my own would be pretty boring; me going through my normal routine: work, family, friends. There really isn’t a whole lot there to make things exciting, to pull people into my story. No one wants to read a book about someone’s unextraordinary life. Well, Morgan Talty puts that statement to the test.

Charles Lamosway is a regular guy, sure he has had some challenges in his life, who hasn’t? He goes to work in his average job, visits his ailing mom, and wishes that he could spend time with his estranged daughter. These are all pretty normal things that your average Joe (or Charles) has to deal with on a daily basis. There is nothing extraordinary about Charles; he does not have supernatural powers, he isn’t some international man of mystery, he doesn’t go on some whirlwind adventure to “save the day.” He is just a normal guy doing normal things, living his normal enough life.

This is where Morgan Talty does his magic. He made normal special!

Charles Lamosway is the centerpiece of this story about humanity and choices. Choices that we have, choices that others make, and choices where we really have no choice. All of these choices lead us to a point, we all live this same life, just with different choices made and different destinations. Talty created a connection between myself and this man whose life was so unlike my own but at the same time familiar.

What happens in Fire Exit? Not much, but at the same time everything.

*5 Stars

I love to see a debut with important subject matter receive the recognition it deserves. Topics such as truth and reconciliation for Indigenous people, mental health awareness & representation etc. need to be spread throughout the mainstream community and books like this are the way to do that. Although a work of fiction, the themes within this novel are very real, making this is an exceptional and timely resource.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for access to the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Where do we belong? Talty’s first novel is set in Maine, on and near the Penobscot Reservation. Charles, the protagonist, is the child of a white mother, and an indigenous father. He cannot live on the Reservation where he grew up. Louise lives alone and has dementia. His daughter, Elizabeth, through a Native woman, Mary, thinks she is the fully indigenous. Charles wants to tell Elizabeth the truth. I hope Talty is hard at work on a second novel.

Interesting, but pretty slow. The main character describes his situation in a non-linear fashion, which adds to some confusion. Still worthwhile.

Title: Fire Exit
Author: Morgan Talty
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: June 4, 2024

I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from Penguin Random House Canada and RB Media via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Tender • Messy • Poignant

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Does she remember this day? Does she remember it at all? Does she know this history--this story--her body holds secret from her?

From the porch of his home, Charles Lamosway has watched the life he might have had unfold across the river on Maine's Penobscot Reservation. On the far bank, he caught brief moments of Roger and Mary raising their only child, Elizabeth--from the day she came home from the hospital to her early twenties. But there's always been something deeper and more dangerous than the river that divides him from this family and the rest of the tribal community. It's the secret that Elizabeth is his daughter, a secret Charles is no longer willing to keep.

Now it's been weeks since he's seen Elizabeth and Charles is worried. As he attempts to hold on and care for what he can: his home and property, his alcoholic, quick-tempered and big-hearted friend Bobby, and his mother, Louise, who is slipping ever-deeper into dementia--he becomes increasingly haunted by his past. Forced to confront a lost childhood on the reservation, a love affair cut short, and the death of his beloved stepfather, Fredrick, in a hunting accident--a death that he and Louise cannot agree where to lay the blame--Charles contends with questions he's long been afraid to ask. Is it his secret to share? And would his daughter want to know the truth?

💭 T H O U G H T S

I discovered Fire Exit while browsing 2024 releases on NetGalley. So many elements of the premise caught my attention that I decided to request it from the publisher. Thankfully, my request was granted and I would have to say this novel has been on of the most human stories I have read so far this year.

Told with such vivid imagery and introspective writing, this debut novel from Morgan Talty is an examination of identity and belonging, the weight of regret, the ties that bind us, and what it means to be caught between two cultures. Despite its brevity, it certainly packs a punch and tugs on the heart strings.

It takes some time to get settled into the narration given its intentional stream of consciousness and jumping from one place to the next. However, once I was able to situate myself the story and its characters wiggled their way into my heart. To me, its the sign of a powerful story when the characters aren't all the likeable, yet you find yourself rooting for them early on.

The audiobook narration read by Darrell Dennis really brought the story to life. While listening I felt like Charles was talking to me - a tall task given all of the internal dialogue. Additionally, Darrell's narration made the story feel personal and I had to remind myself this was a novel and not his own personal story. His tone is clear and straightforward.

Fire Exit was a deeply poignant and timely novel that tackles a lot of real life topics with poise and care. Learning about the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, getting an inside glimpse into Charles' thoughts, and the portrayal of mental illness were reasons this book worked for me. I look forward to reading more from Morgan Talty in the future and will be keeping an eye out for news on any future releases.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• deeply human stories
• book club fiction
• character studies

⚠️ CW: chronic illness, dementia, mental illness, depression, alcoholism, addiction, suicide attempt, fire/fire injury, death, death of parent, grief, homophobia, violence, excrement, blood, vomit, alcohol, ableism

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"We are made of stories, and if we don’t know them—the ones that make us—how can we ever be fully realized? How can we ever be who we really are?"

"The blood that came out of me was blood that ran through her veins. It’s strange: all blood looks the same, yet it’s different, we’re told, in so many various ways and for so many various reasons. But one thing is for certain, I thought: you are who you are, even if you don’t know it."

For me, this was a case of this story was not for me. The reviews are overwhelming positive for this book. It just didn't work for me.it felt like the story didn't go anywhere. The characters were underwhelming and I could not get into the story. I would definitely recommend that this is one that people need to try and see for themselves.

Fire Exit is Morgan Talty's debut novel, following his collection of short stores Night of the Living Rez. Charles is a white man who grew up on the reservation of Penobscot First Nation, raised by his white mother and his Penobscot stepfather. He lives across the river from the house where his ex, Mary, and his daughter, Elizabeth live. In order to provide his daughter with everything that comes with a First Nations identity, Mary insists on raising her daughter as the child of Roger, who is Penobscot. For over twenty years now, Charles has watched his daughter from a distance, and he is now ready to tell her about her true identity. He's also struggling to help his mother, Louise, who has dementia and lives on her own. While Charles is desperately trying to reach his daughter, his mom is starting to lose all sense of who he is.

This novel has so many layers. The characters are woven together so well and the story is unique. I really enjoyed it, and I think fans of Richard Wagamese and Thomas King would enjoy Talty's style. It delves deep into the importance of identity, but also how much who we believe we are can shape our lives. Funny at times, sad at others, it was a good rollercoaster ride. I really enjoyed Night of the Living Rez and I was not disappointed in this novel. If you haven't read any Morgan Talty, I recommend you give him a try!

I don’t really know how to describe this book, except for weird. And not weird in a bad way, but a good way. Charles is our main character and you get to follow his life through some time. He lives on a reserve in Maine.
I went to through all the emotions while reading this book. I cried, I laughed, I was surprised and angry.
The first half of this book you will feel like what is going on, where are we and what am I reading. But about halfway through it starts to make much more sense.
I throughly enjoyed this book, Charles was such an interesting character to be in the mind of.

“I wanted the girl to know the truth. I wanted her to know who I was - who I really was - instead of a white man who had lived across from her all her life and watched her grow up from this side of the river” - Morgan Talty 💜💜💜💜💜 Thank you @penguinrandomca and @netgalley for this E-ARC. What a remarkable and unforgettable read. “Fire Exit” is about everything and nothing all at the same. Morgan Talty is a wizard with words and I was captivated throughout. This story touches on family, secrets, loss, love, blood, addiction, mental health, death, dementia, colonization, racism and everything in between. This is a story that I wanted to never end but at the same time ended so poignantly that it will rest among my top reads thus far this year. This is a highly recommended read and I for one cannot wait to read more from Morgan Talty.

"Fire Exit," a debut novel by Morgan Talty, offers a blend of Indigenous history and compelling themes. While these aspects contribute to the novel's intrigue, the pacing, at times, can be slow, which didn't resonate with me. For those looking to explore Indigenous stories, this book is worth considering. For myself it landed flat, I wish there had been more about the daughter's story, or perhaps her point of view. I felt that it was missing something.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Knopf Canada and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this one expecting to love it, but unfortunately it fell a little bit flat for me. I found the plot to be a bit slow-moving and the writing felt a bit dry. I did enjoy the themes that were explored, including the universal themes of family dynamics and substance abuse, and the themes specific in indigenous culture.

Fire Exit stands out as a powerful debut novel. Its strengths lie in its rich character portrayals, its thoughtful exploration of themes, and its engaging narrative style. Morgan Talty has crafted a story that is both touching and gritty, offering readers a profound look into the lives of its characters. The book's weaknesses, if any, are minor and do not detract from its overall impact. Fire Exit is a must-read for those interested in stories about family, identity, and the intricate connections that shape our lives.

I gave this book a 3 star. It read as a YA book to me but had adult themes within it. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started it but I felt unsatisfied when I finished it. I couldn’t relate to the characters and I wanted to know more about the daughter’s story. The story itself was good and we really felt the emotions of someone dealing with a loved one with dimentia.

"Fire Exit" by Morgan Talty is a compelling exploration of trauma and resilience. The novel intertwines personal struggle with broader societal themes, using a narrative that is both intimate and expansive. Talty's prose is striking, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth. The characters are richly developed, and their journeys are portrayed with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply. The book's pacing is well-crafted, keeping readers engaged while unraveling a poignant and thought-provoking story. Overall, "Fire Exit" is a powerful and moving read that leaves a lasting impact.

Interesting story of one persons life, his mother developing dementia, his unacknowledged daughter that he wants to educate ipabout his indigenous family history and mental history., in a gentle manner.

Still struggling with my attention span these days. In the beforetimes, I would have gobbled up this book very quickly, so don't read too much into how long it took me to read! Each time I did pick it up, I was very engaged and taken with the story. But then I'd go ages before picking it up again, and that's a me problem, not a failing of the book. The author does an amazing job of really communicating to the reader the emotional and mental state of the narrator, Charles. Recommended for those interested in indigenous issues, blood quantum, dealing with an aging parent suffering from dementia, and family drama.

Charles lives across the river from his daughter. He’s only had one chance to meet her, which did not go all that well since then he’s not seen her other than from a distance from his house across the river with his mother, sick and suffering from dementia and him, wondering, how to take care of her and how to honour her when she goes thinking he finds out that his grown-up daughter has taken off somewhere and her neighbour does not know when or where when she’ll be back or when she’s gone, these things in his mind these things make him think about death and legacy, and he thinks his daughter needs to know about him, his family his past but when he
<blockquot talk to her, she’s gone and the neighbor, not knowing when she’ll be back, begins thinking about his which is filled with tragedy, loneliness, addiction, abuse, and happiness

Charles Lamosway grew up on the Penobscot Reserve, but, not being Penobscot, he was forced to leave when he turned eighteen. All his ties, however, are on the reserve, including his stepfather Fredrick, now dead in a hunting accident.

At the novel's open, Charles lives across a river from where he can see the home of Mary, a woman he was involved with years earlier lives. Mary and Charles had a daughter, Elizabeth, but Mary ended up marrying Roger, a man of the Penobscot nation. Elizabeth was raised with no knowledge of Charles. For years, Charles has desperately wanted a connection with his daughter.

This passage beautifully illustrates Charles' thoughts and emotions:

"It was Fredrick’s love that made me feel Native. He loved me so much that I was, and still am, convinced that I was from him, part of him, part of what he was part of. That was how I felt about Elizabeth—in truth, she was a descendant only from her mother’s side, and if that were to come out and she were taken off the census, would she feel any less Native? I didn’t think so. Blood matters only enough to keep us alive. She was Roger’s daughter in the same way I was Fredrick’s son, and I knew deep down he was as good to her as Fredrick had been to me."

Charles' mother Louise is gradually losing her memories, and has suffered for years from what seems to be depression. Charles then finds out that Elizabeth's health is compromised, prompting him to tell Mary that he must tell Elizabeth the truth of her parentage. Mary opposes this, as Elizabeth would then lose her tribal membership.

This is a complex story of family and identity, and the various controversial means (such as blood quantum) the government has used to gradually reduce the numbers of indigenous people from their population statistics, and consequent allocations.

Interestingly, for a story so much about indigenous identity, and the legacy of genocide and difficult circumstances on reserves which can lead to poor health, among other things, author Morgan Talty chooses to speak about these things form the perspective of an outsider, but whose heart still turns to his indigenous connections. At the same time, Talty comments on racist legislation, while not obviously harmful to whites, still has an effect economically on the working class and the poor, and how this has affected Charles and Louise.

While Talty keeps the focus around Charles' dilemma, his excellent story is large in scope, dealing skillfully with complex emotions, complicated history and the legacy of trauma.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

While I typically go for more mystery/thriller type novels, I thoroughly enjoyed this book that was a change of pace for me. I really felt the emotion of this book and I loved the writing style, as it was beautiful “story telling”. Thank you for the opportunity to read such an excellent book - I am grateful to have found a new favourite author!

I didn’t like nor dislike this book. I feel like it was missing something that I can’t quite put my finger on. The writing was well done and it was a gripping read, just not as thrilling as I had hoped