26 pages • 52 minutes read
Heart Berries
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Book Brief
160
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
British Columbia • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL680L
Super Short Summary
Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot is a memoir composed of lyrical vignettes that narrate her life as a First Nations woman navigating the challenges of mental illness, personal trauma, and complicated relationships while moving from Canada to the American Southwest. Sensitive topics include sexual abuse, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and domestic violence.
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
30,059 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot is a poignant memoir that powerfully captures the raw intensity of trauma and resilience. Admirers praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth, while some critics point to its fragmented structure as challenging. Nonetheless, Mailhot’s voice is undeniably compelling, marking an important contribution to Indigenous literature.
Who Should Read Heart Berries?
Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot is ideal for readers interested in raw, unflinching memoirs that explore themes of identity, mental illness, and Indigenous experiences. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or Educated by Tara Westover will appreciate Mailhot's lyrical, poignant prose and powerful storytelling.
30,059 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Casey
Casey
Mailhot’s White lover and former professor, whose relationship with her evolves as she gains self-awareness and questions her need for validation through him.
Mother/Wahzinak
Mother/Wahzinak
Mailhot’s mother, a woman of contradictions who embodies both traditional Native culture and personal struggles, influencing Mailhot's understanding of family and identity.
Father/Ken
Father/Ken
Mailhot’s father, whose legacy as a drunk artist and troubled figure blends artistic inspiration with personal challenges for Mailhot.
160
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
British Columbia • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL680L
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