In the depths of winter an Anishinaabe community in remote northern Canada experiences a blackout. With satellites down and communication with the outside impossible they assume the blackout will be temporary until two members living off the reservation make their way home with news the blackout is widespread and society is breaking down in the cities.
Moon of the Crusted Snow offers an apocalyptic tale from a slightly different point of view, which is brilliant, making it both familiar and unique. What if, yes, our current world were to end, but what if this allowed for societies constrained by the current order to once again flourish?
And that’s not to say this community exactly flourishes during the story, they encounter much of the same situations any community would encounter if a breakdown of this type were to occur, but their culture, traditions, and logistics find them relatively better positioned. The circumstances posed allow for an examination of how First Nations communities have been weakened, but also what traditional strengths they retain that become, once again, essential when modern infrastructure no longer exists.
At just over 200 pages Moon of the Crusted Snow is a quick, atmospheric read perfect for winter. There is a sequel coming to the U.S. in late February 2024 and I definitely plan to pick it up!
Tell me: do you read more front or backlist books?
I am forever trying to resist the siren call of new releases and pay attention to backlist books languishing on my TBR. Moon of the Crusted Snow published in 2018.
That Bookish Life 