Reviews

At its heart, there's nothing new here. Wagamese takes an old, well-worn story, and puts his own voice on it.

And yet, that's where the magic lies. Wagamese's voice. I absolutely adored Medicine Walk and, when I started reading this, my first thought was, it's not going to come close.

I was utterly mistaken.

It's not the same story, but it's equally as good as that preceding novel. It starts with everyone broken, but looking with desperate hope toward the future.

"When you figure you've got nothing, moving back and going on can feel like the same direction."

Then, Wagamese just gives you one beautiful scene after another. He's truly a gifted author, and his passing before completion of this novel (or any other works he might have produced) is an utter tragedy.

I won't talk to the plot, because it's best discovered by each reader. But I will say, there's a lot to be found in these pages.

"You take the label off a can of beans, it's still a can of beans. Seems to me a label doesn't matter much at all. What counts is what's inside."

abookarmoire's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a refreshing little book that just tells it like it is. I really enjoyed the writing style, the flow, the characters and especially the setting - my home city is in it! What a treat to read a story that has your own backyard in it.

As you may know, this remained unfinished as the author passed before completing the manuscript. Since this book was published I mistakenly thought that another author may have finished the story, but nope, it is left as is. You are left wondering what happens with Starlight, Emmy and her daughter Maddie. The whole thing just works, now that I know what I know now.

A long time bachelor, and indigenous resident known as Starlight decides to take in Emmy and Maddie, on impulse, to help them get back on their feet - a gift. Someone helped him in the past, he is compelled to do the same for another.

“Why are you doing this?”
The big an squinted in concentration. He looked at Jensen, who regarded him kindly. He pressed his hands into the pockets of his jeans and then pulled them out and clapped his fingers together, then unclasped them, and dropped his hands to his sides.
“For the girl,” he finally said.
He studied Emmy.
“And because I guess I’m drawn to wild things.”

Emmy is escaping a long over due abusive relationship, and accepts his proposal. She doesn’t realize what’s in store for her. Starlight teaches her the ways of the land. You will enjoy the descriptive narrative that flows through these pages. It is so lovely to read how our land really is, from that perspective. Enjoy the landscape!

This was his home and these were his people. He supposed he was old-fashioned. If it were true, he could live with it.
He was not displaced or dispossessed. He was home. In that, he felt keenly alive.

childahl's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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