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Angela M is taking a break.'s Reviews > Indian Horse
Indian Horse
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When I started listening to this audiobook, my friend Catherine commented “Hard on the heart but…” I couldn’t agree more. It is definitely hard on the heart, and there are certainly a number of buts that make it so very worth reading. There are many moments in this story that hurt my heart, that made my stomach turn, and there are also moments of love, of caring, of the depth of friendship that did my heart good. There are moments of joy when Saul Indian Horse discovers hockey and many moments of sadness and rage as he faces losses and prejudice. When the novel opens, he tells us that he’s a “hard core drunk “ in rehab, encouraged to tell his story because his counselor believes that “Many hearts beating together makes us stronger “.
This is so beautifully written and although fiction, it has such an intimate feel, I thought I was listening to a memoir. The narrator is fabulous. I wanted to read it now because Canadian residential schools have been in the news recently with hundreds of unmarked graves discovered at some of the locations where the schools stood. This story is so relevant and depicts what that experience may have been like for so many children stolen from their families. Their stories deserve to be told. We should read them.
“It was the school they hid us from “
“I grew up afraid of the white man . As it turns out I had reason to be.”
“I read once that there are holes in the universe that swallow all light , all bodies . St Jerome’s took all the light from my world .”
These children lived under the threats of beatings, fear and the horrible reality of predator priests and nuns visiting in the night, suicides and “row on row of unmarked graves. It’s not for me to tell any of the story except to say that hockey and then drink helped Saul forget until he remembered. I highly recommend reading this, because we also must remember.
This is so beautifully written and although fiction, it has such an intimate feel, I thought I was listening to a memoir. The narrator is fabulous. I wanted to read it now because Canadian residential schools have been in the news recently with hundreds of unmarked graves discovered at some of the locations where the schools stood. This story is so relevant and depicts what that experience may have been like for so many children stolen from their families. Their stories deserve to be told. We should read them.
“It was the school they hid us from “
“I grew up afraid of the white man . As it turns out I had reason to be.”
“I read once that there are holes in the universe that swallow all light , all bodies . St Jerome’s took all the light from my world .”
These children lived under the threats of beatings, fear and the horrible reality of predator priests and nuns visiting in the night, suicides and “row on row of unmarked graves. It’s not for me to tell any of the story except to say that hockey and then drink helped Saul forget until he remembered. I highly recommend reading this, because we also must remember.
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Reading Progress
April 29, 2018
– Shelved
April 29, 2018
– Shelved as:
to-read
July 24, 2021
–
Started Reading
July 25, 2021
– Shelved as:
audiobooks
July 25, 2021
– Shelved as:
2021-favorites
July 25, 2021
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 61 (61 new)
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JanB
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Jul 25, 2021 07:46PM
I'm always happy to see 5 stars from you and I look forward to your thoughts!
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I literally just bought this book last week, Angela, for the same reasons. I also worry that his books will go out of print and be hard to find. Lovely review and you are right- the timing is important right now to keep this discussion open.
Jennifer , thanks so much ! Wonderfully written ! Besides this , I have only read Medicine Walk which was also an emotional but terrific read . I’ve got to read more .
You must have shed quite a few tears dear Angela !
Jaidee, I definitely did.! Heartbreaking !What a fabulous writer he was .
Such a powerful book; you review tells a lot about why! I read this in print a couple of years ago and seeing you liked it in audio gives me a way to experience it again when I'm ready.
Wow. Amazing review, Angela. I need to read this too having just finished Wenjack. So very sad. Apparently this also has been made into a movie with Clint Eastwood having directed it. I'm looking forward to the heart ache. Another history that needs to be further uncovered, accounted for and remembered.
Suzy, definitely a powerful story. I’d like to read the book so I can go back and experience the fabulous writing that I listened to.
A poignant review, Angela. Those are some horrific discoveries of late. I need to read Wagamese one of these days.
Jen, thanks so much . I saw that it was a movie and I plan to see it soon . I think it’s on Netflix. I just read your powerful review of Wenjack and plan to read that one , too . Another history to be remembered as well. These schools existed in the US , too , sadly .
Karen, thanks so much.
On your recommendation, I just bought both of his books now (this one and Medicine Walk) Thanks for the reviews!
A very moving review, Angela. Lovely.🙇♀️
Donna, they are both beautifully written. Heartbreaking but worth reading. I hope you find them that way as well.
Jodi, thanks so much ! A very moving story.
Angela, Great review, and of course I also loved this and the movie. I just got Starlight, the follow up to Medicine Walk. He was such a terrific writer.
message 18:
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Angela M is taking a break.
(last edited Jul 26, 2021 06:39PM)
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Phyllis, thanks so much. It was you who convinced me to finally get to Medicine Man which I loved . I’llhave to get a copy of Starlight . I plan to see the movie of Indian Horse , too. Definitely was a great writer.
Candi, thanks so much . He was a terrific writer and this is such an important book to read . I have no doubt you will find him worth reading.
Wonderful review Angela! I loved it too!
Thank you so much Angela for your informative review. I can't seem to get my hands on Medicine Walk by this author but my library had this one. It does sound like a difficult read but often the really important ones are.
Sharon , thanks so much . Difficult and important for sure and the writing is amazing. I think you will think so , too . Too bad you can’t get Medicine Walk . I bought a kindle copy a while ago .
That's the odd thing, I even decided to purchase the book but couldn't get it. I wondered if it went by another title but didn't find anything that matched. Not to worry I'll make a start with this one. If you think the writing is amazing I'm fairly sure I will too. Looking forward to finding out 😀
That's the odd thing, I even decided to purchase the book but couldn't get it. I wondered if it went by another title but didn't find anything that matched. Not to worry I'll make a start with this one. If you think the writing is amazing I'm fairly sure I will too. Looking forward to finding out 😀
I agree, Angela, it did have the feel of a memoir, very skillful author. Great review!
Libby, thanks so much. I definitely felt that way, and the audiobook certainly made it feel as if a real person was telling his story.
Julie, thanks so much . Definitely a moving story as well as so important.
Fantastic review, Angela! Wow! So heartbreaking. I agree, we should read so we do not forget. I am adding this.
Debra, thanks so much. I just know you will appreciate this one .
Fabulous review, Angela, you know I have to add this one, now! I loved his Medicine Man!
Cheri, you will amazed by the writing and touched by the story. The audio was fantastic.
Brilliant review, Angela. I've not read this author but I keep seeing his name a lot lately. Sounds like one I should investigate.
Outstanding review. I haven't read Wagamese.
Lori and Bianca, thanks very much. Difficult stories , but I think you both would appreciate the writing and the importance of reading this .
A beautiful review, Angela. The book is an important and difficult read, so well told.
Awesome review!! I have added this to my TR list!!
Martha, thanks! Totally agree !
May , thanks very much. It’s important and so well written!
So glad that you read and loved this book, Angela. I have loved every book written by Richard Wagamese that I have read. He certainly was a talented writer. Great review!
Thanks , Kathleen. I’ve only read two and loved both . Definitely want to read more.
Indeed....we must remember....heartfelt review, Angela.
Carmel, thanks very much. Such an impactful story.
Hi Angela, love reading your thoughts on this book, adding this one!
Excellent review of a story that needs to be told. Thank you, Angela.
Oh my this sounds like a tragic story.
Excellent review, Angela! I am going to start this one right away!! I am so glad to see your review that brings awareness to what shape Ingenious People’s lives. I agree their stories need to be told and we need to start listening.
Brenda, thanks! So important to remember. There were many of these schools in the US as well and I need to see what has been written about them . Can’t wait to see what you.
Iris , Laysee and Marialyce, thanks very much .
Wonderful review. I am not sure I could have listened to the audio version, Reading it was an intense experience. Hope to read more by this author.
