The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
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The Marrow Thieves is set in a post-apocalyptic Canada where environmental damage has caused widespread plague and illness. As a result, people have lost the ability to dream and this has led to madness and death. During this time, class divisions have led to the formation of safe spaces for the wealthy who are working on a cure.
The twist is that Indigenous peoples are the only ones who have kept the power to dream. To combat the plague that the non-Indigenous community faces, they created a system of schools where Indigenous bone marrow can be harvested and used as a treatment.
The novel follows the protagonist Frenchie as he finds new family and evades those who are hunting for more Indigenous victims.
The Marrow Thieves is a glaring commentary on the history of the Residential School System, and the way that Indigenous relations continue to be handled in the country that we call Canada.
It's a great read with a powerful message. Although technically considered young adult, it is a completely appropriate read for adults as well with powerful characters and a unique plot.
If you want to follow the story, check out the sequel: Hunting By Stars.
Reading Journal Questions
What do you know about the Residential School system?
How do the schools in the novel compare to the real schools?
If this novel was read as a call to action, what is Dimaline asking of you?
How does the impact of the schools int he novel reflect/compare to the impact of the Residential School system that Indigenous communities still faced today?
