We follow the points of view, non-linearly, of three generations of Métis women. As with The Break (of which one character actually is in this novel as well!), this book has great prose work and is adept with voice. Each character sounds and feels distinct and the narrative arrangement is perfect. Even with one narrator on the audiobook everything was very clear; mannerisms, ticks, diction all delineate each person.

There are also heartbreaking similarities between the characters. Mostly, this focuses on internalized racism, misogyny, and toxic behaviours and the struggle to identify them and conquer them when they are constantly being sustained and stoked by the often well-meaning family members who simply do not have the ability to communicate effectively—or meaningfully, often.

This shines a light on the ways in which violence and racism have effected indigenous people, particularly women, in ways often not considered in literature of this type. It then uses structure to show how nuanced and menacing the things endured manifest as through their lives. And through them, their children’s lives.