Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice
A sequel I couldn’t wait for!
My favourite kind of books are the ones that use literature as activism, and in my own selfish preference, in a hopeful way. It doesn’t have to be hopeful or peaceful, and communities facing injustice don’t owe anyone peace, but this kind of literature is so beautiful to me.
Moon Of The Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice is the sequel to Moon of the Crusted Snow - one of my favourite novels of all time. It’s my go-to recommendation when anyone asks what to read next.
The novels are based in environmental apocalypse. The characters journeys of survival centre Indigenous traditions and cultural practices, with themes of cultural revitalization, land based knowledge & community care.
Sequels are tricky, especially with the hype of the first book being one of your absolute favourites - Moon of the Turning Leaves is a gorgeous and powerful continuation of the first novel. It answers some unknowns, but not all.
It introduces new characters and new context but not so much that is is distracting. It continues the same themes of land-based survival & healing while diving deeper into language revitalization, survivance, and the generational cycles.
The way that Rice looks back on the history that Indigenous communities have faced, are facing today, and then sets his characters in a future so far beyond that, is an intriguing to challenge the reader to visualize decolonization work.
I love stories as activism and this novel was so carefully written that while also being a compelling read, it is entrenched with themes, ideas, and small remarks that challenge a colonial worldview.
Without spoiling anything, the ending had me sobbing and I would definitely recommend this sequel. 🤎
Reading Journal Questions
How did the use of Anishinaabemowin(their language) impact your reading of the novel?
Why do you think Rice purposefully included all generations in the novel?
Which character did you relate to the most? Why?
Did you find it surprising that Nangohns was given so much respect and input?
What could community care look like in your own life?
Were the Indigenous nations near you always on this land, or is there a history of displacement? Are you aware of the history of the land you live on?
