Dennis E. Staples

For a debut novel, this has a lot going for it. Told from several points of view, this is a story of discovery. The main character Marion wakes up what seems to be the spirit of a dog which leads him to the grave of Kayden Kelliher who was murdered at the age of 17. Marion sets out to understand what has happened and, in the process, he uncovers his Ojibwe family history and his connection to the events of the past. Overall, this was decent. There is a gay love story- think 100 Boyfriends meets ancestral curse. It also deals with inter-generational trauma. There are some characters which lacked development and I think there are some confusing narrative choices. Nonetheless, I was intrigued throughout.… (altro)

I thought this was a beautiful novel. When I found out it was a debut, I was even more impressed.

Dennis E. Staples is an Ojibwe author and I already know that I look forward to a continuing voice from him. There is a lovely blend of traditional and contemporary voices in this book.

The main character, Marion is a young, gay Ojibwe man. It's clear from the beginning of the novel that he is a bit lost about where he belongs. Marion left the reservation when he was young, then returned to live in a town that was close after leaving a relationship. Some of his family is very traditional and throughout the story, Marion struggles with what he believes. There are very beautiful moments when he seems on the path back towards his spiritual roots, and then there are times when he seems almost hopeless.

The writing is beautiful. It's often so poetic that I could have read far more of it. Staples has a great style. The tale unfurls as the novel progresses, and more people are brought into the tale. I did find the multiple POVs a little confusing at times; there were a few times when I wasn't quite sure which character I was reading about. But, Staples' writing style more than made up for my minor confusion.

I really enjoyed the infusions of the Ojibwe tradition throughout this story. In a way there's a very traditional story... almost mythical, being told at the same time as there's a modern tale.

Marion has become reacquainted with an old friend from high school. Things are different when they meet again. Marion is an out gay man and Shannon - is closeted and suffering under a childhood filled with toxic masculinity and homophobia. When they meet over a hook-up app they enter into a relationship of sorts. Marion seems to accept it's the way his life will be and Shannon is so busy trying to hide who he is that he's terrified.

As the two men struggle with their differences Marion enters onto a spiritual journey of sorts. One night he seems to bring a dead dog to life and it leads him to the burial place of another friend he grew up with.

This book has a component of mystery in it, an introduction to some Ojibwe traditions and a relationship story.… (altro)