At the outset of The Red Canoe by Wayne Johnson, there is a quotation, the sentiments of which cut to the quick more and more as I read this book of fiction that could very well reflect true-to-life incidents. The quotation talks about the silenced who had not been heard nor did they have a voice. Common grace righteous people, in my opinion, will speak up for these silenced and silent ones. Buck was such a one to speak up even at personal cost. Definitely, I'd say he's one of this book's heros.
In this narrative we have Lucy, a teenager, and her Dad, who is a cop. Will leave it to future readers to figure out on which side of this human rights equation he stood. Dirty cops and others that prey on young girls, especially those Native American girls, on or off the reservation, are seen targeted in a most despicable manner.
The reader will also meet Jean, Booker, Ryan and his Mom, and Naomi, each of varying ethnic backgrounds and roles in the story. Add the Red Canoe itself along with Gyp the barometer cat. The snowy winter ending will both chill and warm the heartstrings; at least it did mine.
Teenage readers will more than likely find this book spell-binding, heart-racing and hopefully, even inspiring towards championing and whistle-blowing causes such as are revealed within the pages of this novel. However, I would personally not restrict reader-ship to that age group. I believe it's good for one and all to be informed and do whatever they can within their power to help the unjustly afflicted peoples perpetuated wrongly against by those in positions of power and influence. I assume this could quite likely be what the author had in mind.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
January 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary, review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
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