Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Realistic Fiction, Canadian, Native, Historical, Social Commentary

Summary:
April Raintree is the powerful story of April and Cheryl, two Métis sisters growing up in the 50s and 60s, who embark on a journey of self discovery after being abandoned to Children’s Aid by their alcoholic parents. April, the eldest, tries to protect the bright and optimistic Cheryl.

Cheryl is proud of her Métis heritage and incensed by what the “White Man” has done to her people. April, on the other hand, is determined to pass as a white woman in society. She is both horrified and embarrassed of the Indian “gutter creatures” who lurk on Winnipeg’s streets. When Cheryl’s pride is tested after a heartbreaking discovery, the rift between the two sisters becomes insurmountable. Will Cheryl be able to rise above the truth and will April finally realize the pain she has caused both herself and her sister?

My Thoughts:
April Raintree is a gripping novel shedding new light on the adversity faced by the Métis in Canada. I found both April and Cheryl to be completely believable characters, whose struggles with identity and relationships are ones we have all experienced.

Despite its sometimes serious tone, this novel is decidely one of hope and perserverance. It is a story of the human will to survive, to make sense of this cruel world and to dare to dream of a better future.

Borrow April Raintree from your local Vaughan library today! Have you read this book before? Thoughts, questions, opinions, please share!