Moon of the Crusted Snow, a post-apocalyptic novel by Waubgeshig Rice, explores a northern Anishinaabe community’s resilience during societal collapse, blending cultural identity with survival themes.
1.1 Overview of the Novel
Moon of the Crusted Snow is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel set in a remote Anishinaabe community in northern Canada. As societal collapse isolates the community, they face darkness, confusion, and dwindling resources. The story follows Evan Whitesky and others as they navigate survival, blending action, suspense, and cultural themes, exploring resilience and identity amid crisis.
1.2 Author Background: Waubgeshig Rice
Waubgeshig Rice, an Anishinaabe author and journalist, hails from Wasauksing First Nation in Ontario. His work often reflects Indigenous experiences, blending storytelling with cultural insights. Before writing novels like Moon of the Crusted Snow, Rice worked as a CBC journalist, drawing from his community roots to craft compelling narratives that explore identity, resilience, and contemporary Indigenous life;
1.3 Genre and Themes
Moon of the Crusted Snow is a post-apocalyptic thriller that delves into themes of survival, cultural identity, and community resilience. Set against the backdrop of societal collapse, the novel explores Indigenous struggles, blending traditional knowledge with modern challenges. It highlights the strength of Anishinaabe heritage while navigating the uncertainties of a crumbling world, offering a unique perspective on apocalypse narratives.
Setting of the Novel
The novel is set in a fictional Anishinaabe community in northern Canada, emphasizing its isolation and cultural significance during a societal collapse.
2.1 The Anishinaabe Community in Northern Canada
The story unfolds in a remote Anishinaabe community in northern Canada, where traditional life is disrupted by a sudden power outage, isolating the community and testing their resilience and unity as they confront the challenges of survival and cultural preservation in the face of an unfolding crisis.
2.2 Cultural and Geographical Significance
The novel highlights the cultural richness of the Anishinaabe community, emphasizing their deep connection to the land and traditional practices. Geographically, the remote northern setting underscores the community’s isolation, making their survival dependent on ancient knowledge and collective strength, while also symbolizing their resilience against external threats and societal collapse.
Plot Summary
The novel follows a remote Anishinaabe community’s struggle to survive after a power outage, exploring their resilience and reliance on tradition during societal collapse.
3.1 The Community’s Struggle During Societal Collapse
The Anishinaabe community faces a dire situation as they are cut off from the outside world. With communication lost and resources dwindling, panic grows. The story delves into their efforts to survive, highlighting the importance of unity and tradition. Evan Whitesky, the protagonist, plays a key role in providing for his family and community, showcasing resilience in the face of crisis.
3.2 Key Events and Turning Points
The story unfolds with a sudden power outage, isolating the community. Communication fails, and panic escalates as food supplies dwindle. A turning point occurs when Evan Whitesky’s hunting skills become crucial, providing sustenance. The collapse of infrastructure forces the community to rely on traditional knowledge, revealing resilience and unity in their collective struggle to survive the unknown crisis.
Main Characters
Evan Whitesky, a determined hunter, leads his family and community through the crisis. His partner Nicole, son Maiingan, and daughter Nangohns rely on his strength and wisdom.
4.1 Evan Whitesky: The Protagonist
Evan Whitesky, the protagonist, is a resourceful hunter and family man whose leadership becomes crucial during the crisis. His strong sense of responsibility and deep connection to his Anishinaabe heritage drive his efforts to protect his loved ones and community, showcasing resilience and cultural identity in the face of societal collapse.
4.2 Supporting Characters and Their Roles
The supporting characters, including Evan’s partner Nicole and their children Maiingan and Nangohns, play pivotal roles in the story. Nicole provides emotional stability, while the children embody innocence amid chaos. Other community members, like the band council, struggle with leadership, and an outside group introduces tension, highlighting the challenges of unity and survival in a fractured society.
Themes and Symbolism
The novel explores themes of Indigenous resilience and cultural identity, using the community’s struggle to symbolize strength and unity in the face of societal collapse and isolation.
5.1 Indigenous Resilience and Cultural Identity
The novel highlights the Anishinaabe community’s resilience through their deep connection to land and tradition. Cultural identity serves as a source of strength, guiding their survival amidst collapse; Evan Whitesky embodies this spirit, blending modern life with ancestral practices, showcasing the enduring power of Indigenous heritage in the face of crisis.
5;2 Survival and Community in Crisis
The novel portrays the community’s collective struggle to survive a devastating societal collapse. As resources dwindle, the Anishinaabe people rely on shared knowledge and traditions to endure. The story emphasizes unity, leadership, and resilience, illustrating how community bonds strengthen in the face of adversity, ultimately becoming their most vital resource for survival.
Literary Style and Reception
Waubgeshig Rice’s measured prose and vivid dialogue captivate readers, blending action with emotional depth. The novel’s slow-burning tension and cultural richness have earned critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
6.1 Waubgeshig Rice’s Writing Style
Waubgeshig Rice’s writing is marked by measured prose, vivid dialogue, and a blend of action with emotional depth. His slow-burning tension captivates readers, while his cultural richness and nuanced storytelling highlight the resilience of Indigenous communities, making his work both haunting and thought-provoking.
6.2 Critical Reviews and Ratings
Moon of the Crusted Snow has received widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and cultural depth. It holds a 3.85/5 rating on platforms like Amazon, with over 29,640 reviews. The novel is a national bestseller and won the 2019 OLA Forest of Reading Evergreen Award, solidifying its place as a standout in contemporary Indigenous literature.
Awards and Recognition
Moon of the Crusted Snow won the 2019 OLA Forest of Reading Evergreen Award and was a 2019 John W. Campbell Memorial Award nominee, highlighting its literary impact.
7.1 Nominations and Wins
Moon of the Crusted Snow won the 2019 OLA Forest of Reading Evergreen Award and was a 2019 John W. Campbell Memorial Award nominee. It also became a 2023 Canada Reads Longlist Selection, solidifying its literary acclaim and impact on Indigenous storytelling.
7.2 Impact on Indigenous Literature
Moon of the Crusted Snow has significantly contributed to Indigenous literature by offering a fresh, powerful perspective on resilience and cultural identity. Its national bestseller status and award recognitions highlight its importance in amplifying Indigenous voices. The novel challenges traditional apocalyptic narratives, emphasizing community strength and survival, while celebrating Anishinaabe traditions and contemporary Indigenous life.
Sequel and Series
Moon of the Crusted Snow is followed by its sequel, Moon of the Turning Leaves, released in October 2023. The series continues to explore Indigenous resilience and storytelling.
8.1 “Moon of the Turning Leaves”
Moon of the Turning Leaves, the sequel to Moon of the Crusted Snow, was published on October 10, 2023. It continues Evan Whitesky’s journey, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and cultural renewal as the Anishinaabe community rebuilds in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel deepens the story’s emotional and cultural resonance, further solidifying Rice’s impact on Indigenous literature.
8.2 The Future of the Series
The future of the series is promising, with Moon of the Turning Leaves receiving positive reviews. Waubgeshig Rice continues to expand the narrative, exploring themes of resilience and cultural identity. The series’ impact on Indigenous literature grows, with fans eagerly awaiting further installments that delve into the Anishinaabe community’s journey and its relevance in contemporary storytelling.
Cultural Significance
Moon of the Crusted Snow highlights Indigenous resilience and cultural identity, offering a powerful narrative that resonates deeply within and beyond Indigenous communities, enriching contemporary literature.
9.1 Representation of Indigenous Communities
Moon of the Crusted Snow offers an authentic portrayal of Indigenous life, emphasizing the Anishinaabe community’s resilience and cultural identity. The novel highlights their unique response to crisis, blending traditional knowledge with modern challenges, providing a powerful and nuanced representation of Indigenous experiences and strengths, authored by Waubgeshig Rice, a member of the Wasauksing First Nation.
9.2 The Novel’s Role in Contemporary Literature
Moon of the Crusted Snow stands out in contemporary literature by offering a fresh Indigenous perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre. It contributes to the growing diversity of voices in Canadian literature, highlighting cultural resilience and survival. As a national bestseller, it has resonated with readers, inspiring a sequel and solidifying its influence in modern storytelling.
Accessing the Book
Moon of the Crusted Snow is available in PDF format and as a Kindle edition priced at $7.99. Paperback editions can be purchased through major retailers.
10.1 Availability in PDF Format
The PDF version of Moon of the Crusted Snow can be accessed through various online platforms. However, it’s important to ensure that downloads are from authorized sources to support the author and publisher. Purchasing the PDF ensures a high-quality reading experience while respecting copyright laws and contributing to the literary community.
10.2 Purchase Options and Editions
Moon of the Crusted Snow is available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Readers can purchase it from major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indigo. The paperback edition, published by ECW Press, features 224 pages and carries the ISBN 978-1-77041-400-6. Prices vary across platforms, with the Kindle version currently priced at $7.99. Support the author by buying from authorized sellers.
Moon of the Crusted Snow is a powerful exploration of resilience, cultural identity, and survival, offering a unique perspective on societal collapse through an Indigenous lens.
11.1 Final Thoughts on the Novel’s Importance
Moon of the Crusted Snow stands as a vital contribution to contemporary Indigenous literature, offering a unique perspective on resilience and cultural identity. Its exploration of community survival during crisis resonates deeply, highlighting the strength of Indigenous traditions. The novel’s impact extends beyond its genre, making it a significant read for understanding modern Indigenous experiences and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
11.2 Encouragement to Read the Book
Readers seeking a gripping and thought-provoking story should immerse themselves in Moon of the Crusted Snow. Its unique blend of post-apocalyptic tension and Indigenous cultural depth offers a compelling narrative. The novel’s focus on community resilience and survival makes it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and those interested in exploring diverse voices and perspectives in contemporary literature.