Firekeeper's Daughter Book Review
““Maybe there’s a word in Anishinaabemowin for when you find solid footing in the rubble after a tragedy.” ”
When I first caught a glimpse of the stunning cover of this novel, I assumed it was part of the fantasy genre. There was something about its stunning blues, oranges, yellows, and reds, and the symmetry that led me to believe this could only be a work of fantasy. I’ve been reading a lot of of fantasy recently, so maybe this led to this assumption, but either way, I quickly added it to my TBR (without reading the blurb) and moved on with my life. This masterpiece has lived on my TBR since, that is, until I decided on a whim to start reading it last week.
Quick note: Its moments like these, after I’ve just read a fantastic book that stayed on my TBR for awhile, that I kick myself for letting it go unread for so long. This story could have been living in my head for longer, but alas, I have to live with my choices.
The fact that this story comes from a debut author is mind-boggling to me. Not because debut authors are inferior and incapable of writing spectacular stories, but because Angeline Boulley writes with such finesse, such attention to detail. Her craft is incredible and she is a born storyteller. With each page, I found myself enthralled with her story.
Daunis Fontaine is your typical teenager living a pretty normal life: has a best friend, is active in her community, plays sports, goes to parties. All the things we normally do as teens. One night, her world is turned upside down when she witnesses a crime that shatters her “typical” life. She is asked to go undercover to assist in an ongoing investigation into her own community. What happens from there is a wild ride filled with grief, betrayal, denial, heartache, destruction, and even death. This book is so fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat as we walk alongside Daunis as she uncovers ugly truths about what she thought she knew.
“My whole life, I’ve been seeking validation of my identity from others. Now that it’s within my reach, I realize I don’t need it.”
While this story is a thriller and we’re watching as Daunis attempts to crack the case, this story is also very much about identity. Daunis is biracial, with an Ojibwe father and a white mother. Daunis attempts to find her identity in both communities, while also dealing with racism and ignorance from people close to her. Can she be both Ojibwe and white simultaneously, or must she chose to be one or the other?
I absolutely loved everything about this story. Daunis Fontaine is my favorite type of character: strong-willed, curious, independent, intelligent, and extremely loyal. She will go to great lengths to care for and protect those she loves but needs protection from no one. Boulley’s weaving of Ojibwe culture throughout this entire story is perfection. I learned so many things from Daunis, her elders, and her Auntie. I learned more about the atrocities of Native American boarding schools and sexual violence against indigenous women and girls.
“I am so tired. The weight of my expendability is crushing.
”
I listened to this book on audio and the narrator, Isabella Star LaBlanc, does an incredible job capturing Daunis. Her emotion drove the story forward. Before I even finished this book, I purchased it in print. I needed to hold this work in my hands and marvel at the story told between it’s pages. I needed it to live on my shelves.
In my opinion, this book is a must read. Don’t let the length scare you. It’s definitely not a short story (coming in at 496 pages) but it’s so fast paced and easy to read (or listen). If you’re like me, you will be so enamored with Daunis that you won’t want to put it down!
Five beautiful stars and easily in the running for best book of the year!
