A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest by Charlie J. Stephens is a deeply moving exploration of poverty, abuse, and intergenerational trauma set against the lush, wild backdrop of Oregon's mountains and forests. At the heart of this poignant tale is Smokey, an eight-year-old, mixed-race, nonbinary child whose life is a tapestry of hardship and resilience. Smokey’s existence is marked by a series of abuses and deprivations, yet they find solace and a sense of belonging in the natural world, developing a profound connection with the wilderness and its creatures.

Smokey’s life is a continuous struggle, overshadowed by the abusive men their mother brings into their home. Despite this, Smokey is captivated by the beauty of the Oregon landscape, where they seek refuge and companionship among the animals. This connection to nature serves as a lifeline, a source of healing amidst the constant turmoil and violence of their home life. The narrative underscores the earth's ability to hold and heal us, a recurring theme that offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak reality.

As Smokey navigates their challenging circumstances, they also grapple with their gender identity, a journey complicated by the trauma they endure. The story poignantly highlights the impact of abuse on Smokey’s self-perception and physical well-being, particularly through their chronic stomach pain and struggles with eating. This physical manifestation of their trauma adds a visceral layer to the narrative, making their pain palpable to the reader.

Stephens’s writing style is introspective and evocative, capturing the raw vulnerability and strength of Smokey's experience. The prose is rich with sensory details and metaphorical language, creating an immersive emotional landscape that draws the reader into Smokey's inner world. Through Smokey’s eyes, we witness the complexities of human connection, the desperate search for love and validation, and the small but significant moments of solace found in nature.

While the book is a powerful testament to resilience and the healing power of nature, it is also a difficult read due to its unflinching portrayal of child abuse. Stephens handles these themes with nuance, avoiding gratuitous detail while still conveying the profound impact of these experiences on Smokey’s life. However, the ending of the book is ambiguous, leaving a sense of unresolved tension that may not satisfy all readers. After enduring such a harrowing journey with Smokey, a more definitive and empowering conclusion would have been a more fitting reward.

In summary, A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest is a haunting and evocative tale that masterfully weaves themes of resilience, love, and healing. While the strength of the narrative and the beauty of Stephens’s prose make this book a compelling read, I wanted a more conclusive and empowering ending to Smokey’s experiences with child abuse.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who appreciate introspective and evocative prose, those interested in narratives exploring childhood trauma, anyone drawn to stories of the healing power of nature.

🔑 Key Themes: Intergenerational Trauma, Abuse and Survival, Connection to Nature, Search for Love and Belonging.