76 pages • 2 hours read
Indian Horse
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Book Brief
188
Novel • Fiction
Canada • 1960s-1970s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese follows Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy from northern Ontario who, after traumatic childhood experiences and losing his family, is placed in a residential school where he finds solace in hockey. His talent brings him success, but pervasive racism and personal trauma lead him to leave the sport and turn to alcoholism, ultimately seeking recovery and rediscovering joy in the game. The book contains sensitive topics, including residential school experiences and substance use.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
34,393 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese is praised for its poignant storytelling and evocative portrayal of Indigenous Canadian life. Readers commend its emotional depth, gripping narrative, and insightful exploration of cultural identity and trauma. Criticisms focus on pacing issues in some sections and the graphic nature of certain content. Despite these, it remains a powerful and essential read.
Who Should Read Indian Horse?
Readers who appreciate emotionally powerful, character-driven narratives focusing on Indigenous experiences and personal resilience will enjoy Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. Comparable to Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine, it appeals to those interested in stories of cultural identity and survival.
34,393 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
188
Novel • Fiction
Canada • 1960s-1970s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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