3.5 stars The focus in this book is primarily on two Cree best friends who become snipers, fighting for Canada in World War I. The book does flip back and forth between the viewpoint of Xavier (one of the snipers) and his aunt, Niska, who raised him. The first half of the book was pretty slow-going for me. But it really picked up in the second half, I thought. The best parts of the book were the WWI scenes, in my opinion. I often had trouble at the beginning of each chapter, not following right away whose viewpoint we were following at that point. The book also jumped around when it came to the time frame – during the war, Xavier growing up, Niska when she was younger, after the war, etc. - so I found that a bit confusing at times, as well. Overall, though, it was good. I'm glad I finally read it.

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!

...was my son's comment. Has a more VIVID account of setting out by canoe for Toronto - or life in the trenches, been written? Everything else in your world will find itself on 'hold' until you get (safely) to the end of this one. Sadly, not everyone makes it. And war really is "hell".

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).

I'm not a fan of war novels but this book has such a beautiful spiritual element of healing to it that it really moved me. Plus many elements of the book were new to me and so I also found I learned a lot by reading it. Overall, a very beautiful and touching book.

Could hardly put it down. It's one of those very rare stories that touches something inside you, takes you there, let's you imagine you're right alongside Xavier and Elijah. Shakespeare was good, but our students should be reading novels like this, to learn from our history, to better understand some of the individuals who sacrificed themselves to serve our country. Yes, the novel could be considered graphic, I believe the story would not be the same without it, and in fact brings a much higher level of realism to the story, which many that simply gloss over or ignore the graphic nature of what happened simply can't acheive.

The characters in this book are magical. Such historical drama played out in a way you've never expected. I did not want the book to end and when it did, I went right into Through Black Spruce which was just as gripping. Such wonderful reading I recommend it to all my friends.

A great book written through the eyes of two native people during the period of WW1. Gripping and unpredictable, will leave you wanting more. We follow the two characters as one deals with being an outsider in the battlefields of europe, while the other deals with the onslaught of European colonization in western Canada. You wont be able to put this one down