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ambershelf 's review for:
A Council of Dolls
by Mona Susan Power
Thank you to partners bibliolifestyle and Mariner Books for the gifted copy.
Sissy, born in 1961, struggles with her relationship with her beautiful yet volatile mother. Her doll Ethel whispers kind words to help her through difficult situations until one fateful day. Lillian, born in 1925, clings to her sister while attending an "Indian school." But when tragedy strikes the sisters, her doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls. Cora, born in 1888, excels in the Indian school she was forced to attend with the help of her doll Winona. Even when the teachers burn her doll, Cora finds Winona's spirit with her.
Spanning three generations of women in a Dakhòta family, COUNCIL is a rich and multilayered narrative that explores the complexities of generational trauma and the profound impact of historical events on their collective journey. Through a masterful use of reverse chronology, Power weaves a tapestry of stories that focuses on the women's POV, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the healing power of storytelling, language, and culture.
At the heart of COUNCIL is the profound influence of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which over 10 thousand students attended between 1879 and 1918. Power delves into the violence of cultural erasure and physical abuse that occurred to these children during the period, highlighting the importance of preserving one's heritage and the role of storytelling as a means of reclaiming and honoring one's roots.
The concept o dolls serves as a captivating and symbolic motif, weaving together the characters' emotions and strengths. I love that these dolls represent the generational "power" instead of trauma, that binds a family, showcasing the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Power deftly explores the idea that healing can emerge from storytelling and writing while using language as a means of catharsis and self-discovery. This aspect reminds me of THE LOVE SONGS OF W.E.B. DU BOIS (Honorée Fanonne Jeffers).
At its core, COUNCIL is a testament that even in the face of unimaginable loss, individuals have the inner strength to mend their wounds and reclaim their identities. The story beautifully illustrates how the process of survival often involves compartmentalization, but ultimately, it's never too late to return to tend to those old wounds and embark on a journey of self-restoration.
Sissy, born in 1961, struggles with her relationship with her beautiful yet volatile mother. Her doll Ethel whispers kind words to help her through difficult situations until one fateful day. Lillian, born in 1925, clings to her sister while attending an "Indian school." But when tragedy strikes the sisters, her doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls. Cora, born in 1888, excels in the Indian school she was forced to attend with the help of her doll Winona. Even when the teachers burn her doll, Cora finds Winona's spirit with her.
Spanning three generations of women in a Dakhòta family, COUNCIL is a rich and multilayered narrative that explores the complexities of generational trauma and the profound impact of historical events on their collective journey. Through a masterful use of reverse chronology, Power weaves a tapestry of stories that focuses on the women's POV, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the healing power of storytelling, language, and culture.
At the heart of COUNCIL is the profound influence of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which over 10 thousand students attended between 1879 and 1918. Power delves into the violence of cultural erasure and physical abuse that occurred to these children during the period, highlighting the importance of preserving one's heritage and the role of storytelling as a means of reclaiming and honoring one's roots.
The concept o dolls serves as a captivating and symbolic motif, weaving together the characters' emotions and strengths. I love that these dolls represent the generational "power" instead of trauma, that binds a family, showcasing the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Power deftly explores the idea that healing can emerge from storytelling and writing while using language as a means of catharsis and self-discovery. This aspect reminds me of THE LOVE SONGS OF W.E.B. DU BOIS (Honorée Fanonne Jeffers).
At its core, COUNCIL is a testament that even in the face of unimaginable loss, individuals have the inner strength to mend their wounds and reclaim their identities. The story beautifully illustrates how the process of survival often involves compartmentalization, but ultimately, it's never too late to return to tend to those old wounds and embark on a journey of self-restoration.