After reading all the (mostly rave) reviews for this book I thought I'd give it a try. It's been a while since I read it but I remember feeling as though it didn't stack up to all the hype surrounding it. It was definitely a good book, it just wasn't wonderful or mind-blowing for me. Some parts were a little hard to get through for the graphic, disturbing imagery, although I appreciate that Boyden didn't sugarcoat his subject matter. I found Niska's side of the story, about living off the land in the traditional Native way, interesting. As for Xavier's story... he was a real and well-developed character and I definitely felt compassion for him. And I was more and more sickened by Elijah as time went on. But all the details of the war didn't enthrall me. I guess that's just not a topic that interests me. One thing I remember clearly is that it wasn't one of those books where I had a hard time putting it down and couldn't wait to pick it up again. It wasn't an absorbing, page-turning read for me. It was good, but not great... not my cup of tea I guess.

I don't read much of this type of fiction, however at the recommendation of a friend I picked it up.

An unchallenging, light, quick read that is quite satisfying for what it is; a glimpse into 2 past worlds. My only real criticism would be that in a book this short the conclusion leaves something to be desired; the author would have been better served to close the circle.

Even so, good read.

This novel is not for the faint-hearted, the descriptions of trench warfare are brutally accurate, but beyond that, you will be dazzled with some of the best writing ever to grace a page. Joseph Boyden hasn't just walked onto the Canadian literary scene, he has blown it's doors off, with both guns blazing! I doubt anyone could write from a native perspective with more accuracy, or sensitivity. One of the most talented writers in this country, and we Canadians know about talented writers. Stunning!

This was one of those rare books that I didn't want to end. I was so engaged in the story that I didn't want to put it down and I wished it was longer. It was like a drug and I couldn't get enough.

This book should be required reading in Canadian schools for three reasons. I believe it paints a great/horrific picture of WWI, it tells the story of the travisty that residential schools had on the native way of life, and it is a great work of literature.

I also loved how this book ties into Boyden's follow up book, Through Black Spruce (which is also a great read).