I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book but the last 1/3 was extremely disappointing. It almost seemed as if two separate books were attempting to become 1.

This very special debut novel focuses on an ensemble of First Nations community members in Manitoba. The town's never-has-won-game hockey team is at risk of being removed from the league because of claims that the location is inconvenient for other schools, but it's clear that racism and classism is the real culprit for this decision.

Each character has a specific voice and more are introduced throughout the novel. I find that often books with this structure struggle to tie up all of the characters' arcs, but Edwards does a nice job bringing them each to a narrative conclusion that's satisfying enough while leaving room for ambiguity. The novel also addresses systematic racism and oppression and trauma in a way that's sensitive but subtle. I'm not surprised to hear that many readers have been moved to tears by the book.

Overall, I recommend this book very strongly and look forward to following Edwards' career.

Thank you to Pantheon for the ARC gifted for unbiased review.

Small Ceremonies follows the lives of young Ojibwe people, from a boy running to a group home to avoid his brother that has just been released from prison to a high school journalist determined to set the record straight. The protagonists in this book are accompanied by the adults that care for them, either from far away or up close. From Winnipeg’s North End, the community of perspectives work to tell a story that is shattered, but pieces itself together one by one. Edwards’ writing is one that deserves a spotlight, to highlight his ability to craft a story that has the heart, soul, anger, and sadness of a community made up of individuals that are trying to put themselves back together. I enjoyed this book and the way in which it made me care so deeply for many of its characters, mainly the younger ones who are stumbling through an unfair and unforgiving life. Clinton and Tomahawk’s relationship is one that I won’t forget, its tenderness taking root in my memory. With as much as there is to love about Small Ceremonies, I did struggle with the number of perspectives. Many times, I forgot the backstory of a specific perspective and felt lost as I read their pages. I think the book may have benefitted from having a smaller cast of characters. However, I do understand the strategy being used to create and foster a feeling of community. Overall, Small Ceremonies is a book that will find a place in its readers hearts and minds, as it forces them to consider lives unlike their own.

This book centers around an urban Indigenous community in Winnipeg. Edwards centers the story around hockey. The chapters are told by a wide range of community members, but Tommy, a high school student, is the main storyteller. This book had funny and heartbreaking parts. There were a few too many characters to keep straight, but overall, this was an impressive first book from an author to watch.

What a wonderfully done coming-of-age story! I loved the style and structure of this book so much and I am eager to see more from this author. Honestly feels a bit like Beartown but in a great way! Tommy was my favorite character, but Clinton also had a very interesting dynamic. When people ask for recommendations, I will for sure be recommending this.

As soon as I read the words, "coming of age" in a blurb, I am in. The ultimate sucker for bildungsroman, I also have very high standards for them. The best stay with you, baked into your person. The worst read as should-have-been YA novels. Small Ceremonies falls into the former category. Such an excellent book that I can't wait to read whatever Kyle Edwards comes up with next.

Small Ceremonies is not a story of one boy coming of age but rather a group of boys on a reservation in Canada. Changing POVs with so many characters can be clunky but Edwards executes it well. It may take some readers longer to get into the story consider the multiple POVs but ultimately I think it lends itself to a richer perspective.

Beautiful prose and touchingly tender characterization make Small Ceremonies a book that will stay with me for a long time.

This book reminded me of Louise Erdrich’s books. They both have multiple POVs. At first it took me some time to get into the flow of the story and to feel like I knew what was going on. But once I settled in, I really enjoyed myself.

Great book! Thanks to NetGalley and Pantheon for a copy of this ARC!

At first, I worried that I'd dislike the multiple POV and find it hard to keep up with who's who, but this book isn't about just one character–It's about the environment and experiences of an Indigenous community, and it needs to be fully understood through the lens of different characters. I appreciated the uniqueness of each person and how their stories blended.

The author did an amazing job in including struggles of several ages, relationships, and sexes without making it overwhelming or confusing. I felt that every part was genuine, with the very real insight that makes a fiction novel true-to-life.

Thank you to Pantheon for the NetGalley "uncorrected proof" ARC!

This book was all over the place, and it took a little while for me to get comfortable with the shifting tones, tenses and perspectives. Having now finished, I’m left with the feeling that it’s about so many things, the disjointed storytelling underscores the scope of the story. We’re looking at very big things from the perspectives of small people. Small Ceremonies endeavors to portray those small characters with such authentic individuality that the voice of the author disappears. I hope everybody who picks up this book has the patience to access that revelation.
As a librarian, I will make sure this book makes its way onto our shelves, and I can easily see myself recommending it as a book club pick (I, for one, would like to discuss it with other readers!)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pantheon for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.

Insightful, warm, and nitty gritty look into the lives of Indigenous people, the trials, obstacles, and biases they still face. The dreams versus reality, and pressures from family and environment. At times trying and at other times totally uplifting.

A book for the ages. Edwards delivers a vivid and poignant snapshot of life on a reservation in Winnipeg. Having friends living in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, I could clearly picture many of the scenes he described. The authenticity and depth in Edwards’ storytelling make this novel truly memorable, shedding light on the struggles of overlooked communities.

In Small Ceremonies, we are introduced to a group of unforgettable characters striving to find connection and meaning. The boys on the Tigers hockey team come from decimated homes, and they depend on each other—and their foul-mouthed coach—to feel a sense of belonging.
When the boys discover that their team might be dropped from the league due to funding cuts and political decisions, the stakes become higher than ever. Their fear of losing the one constant in their unstable world sends them spiraling into crisis, and readers get a front-row seat to the chaos,. As we watch the characters grapple with their own personal struggles, from issues of identity to the longing for family and stability, Edwards paints a powerful and heartbreaking portrait of youth fighting for hope and survival.

This is a beautiful, devastating, and action-packed story that pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. . Well-written and expertly plotted, Small Ceremonies is a novel you simply can’t go wrong with, and it’s bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

#knopfpantheonvintage #smallceremonies #kyleedwards

I think that this book was pretty good. I do think it should’ve been titled a young adult book given the theme of coming of age in high school. I do like the themes of indigenous people, Socio economic issues, and family. I think it was very well written

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Kyle Edwards was able to make the North End, Winnipeg community of “Small Ceremonies” come richly and vividly alive. With the introduction of each character, I felt like I was rapidly able to get a sense of who they were as a unique member of the book’s cast. And Edwards’ decision to construct the narrative through a combination of first, second and third person narration worked almost shockingly well in helping to craft everyone’s separate voices. All in all, a definite standout of a read for me.

This is a fantastic new addition to the growing array of contemporary indigenous-centered fiction - and likewise, will make a great new addition to the shelves of the library that I work in.

"Small Ceremonies" by Kyle Edwards is a kaleidoscopic story depicting the lives of Indigenous people in Winnipeg.

The novel delves into the lives of Tigers' high school hockey players Tomahawk/Tommy, Clinton, and Floyd, as well as their families and community members, showcasing their struggles, perseverance, complex relationships, and dealings with poverty and systemic racism.

The book explores the transition from youth to adulthood within a culture that has been almost eradicated by their government/ historically and currently marginalized and exploited. It provides insight into how hope and lived experiences influence aspirations and actions.

I highly recommend this impactful novel. Fans of Tommy Orange and Morgan Talty will surely find it captivating. Moreover, readers who appreciate the atmospheric writing of Irish author Claire Keegan will find resonance in Edwards' very visual work, additionally, both authors connect past violence to present struggles and domestic violence to state violence.

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing the ARC.