Joan's father, who has since passed away, meticulously saved and bought back pieces of land. One of these parcels was left to Joan, and is where she lives with her husband. Victor is not from Arcand, and therefore does not have a connection to the land like Joan. This book is very much about betrayal, a husband's betrayal of his wife, a son's betrayal of his mother, a person's betrayal of their community and their faith. It is also a book about familial and community obligation, of being there for one another through thick and thin. It is about remembering the old tales and keeping true to your ancestors. A Rogarou is a wolfman, someone who has done something unforgivable within their community. He haunts the roads at night, searching for prey. Those in the Métis community know to be weary of the road, of tempting fate and darkness. This book also highlights the atrocities Indigenous communities have faced, and still face, in terms of natural resources being stripped from them and religious beliefs being thrust on them. Christianity comes into play as a means of persuading Indigenous communities to sell valuable land, full of natural resources that can be exploited. It also harkens to the residential school system which, to this day, haunts survivors and their families. The book weaves these two horrific actions by settlers into a harrowing tale of loss, fear, and dread. It is slow paced, but the slowness actually builds empathy for Joan. Helps the reader to build a fire of rage for what is happening to her, to her family and community. The creeping dread fills the reader with worry, with loathing, with a need for something to happen which will stop this horror from succeeding. I especially loved the relationship between Joan and her cousin's son Zeus. She cares for him and tries her hardest to do what is right for him, when no one else will. The conversations between the two, their loyalty and love for one another. Zeus vows to help Joan, without a second thought to how strange it seems for her husband to have lost his memory and joined the church. However, her trying to protect him feels to Zeus like the abandonment of his father. All you can do is hope Zeus realizes that Joan truly loves him, truly does everything she can to keep him safe. A well written, gripping, tragic story.
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