Saul Indian Horse is an Ojibway man telling the story of his life from a treatment centre. Taken from his family as a boy, he is sent to a church-run residential school, where he suffers abuse and loses his language, yet finds a way to cope through hockey. His talent takes him into junior and professional hockey, but also exposes him to racism from teammates, fans and coaches. The novel explains how the game saved him and how trauma and alcohol later caught up.
It is a good entry for readers who want to learn about the residential school system in Canada, told through an individual life. The hockey scenes are vivid, and the ending is hopeful.
Inward-looking, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Mindful Reader. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2012
- Language
- EN
