logo

93 pages 3 hours read

Moon of the Crusted Snow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Waubgeshig Rice

Moon of the Crusted Snow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Canada • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

780L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Moon of the Crusted Snow, by Waubgeshig Rice, Evan Whitesky and his Anishinaabe community face a societal collapse when their northern Canadian reservation endures widespread power and communication outages during a harsh winter. As external aid falters and tensions rise, the community's survival becomes increasingly perilous with the arrival of outsiders, culminating in pivotal confrontations and a quest for a sustainable future. The novel depicts substance use, death, and self-harm.

Dark

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.0

33,142 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Waubgeshig Rice's Moon of the Crusted Snow masterfully combines post-apocalyptic tension with rich cultural exploration. Reviewers praise its haunting atmosphere and powerful themes of resilience and community, though some note a slow-paced start. The novel's Indigenous perspectives and vividly drawn setting are standout elements, providing a profound, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Moon of the Crusted Snow?

Readers who enjoy Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice are typically drawn to post-apocalyptic tales with Indigenous perspectives and rich cultural narratives. Fans of Louise Erdrich's Future Home of the Living God or Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven will find this novel compelling.

4.0

33,142 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Evan Whitesky

The protagonist of *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. In his mid-twenties, Evan is devoted to his partner, Nicole McCloud, and their children. He works for the reservation's community works department and takes on various roles as the community faces disaster. His perspective drives the narrative, focusing on leadership during crises. An avid outdoorsman, Evan uses his skills to help prepare his family for survival.

The secondary main character of *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. Nicole is Evan's long-time partner and is pragmatic about the growing disaster. She supports Evan and manages domestic responsibilities, using the situation to teach her children Ojibwe and survival skills. Nicole embraces traditional Anishinaabe customs and leaves behind the vestiges of their old life.

The primary antagonist of *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. Known mainly by his last name, Scott is a survivalist with a mysterious past and a stockpile of supplies. He becomes a menace to the community, using fear and manipulation to gain power, and plays a critical role in the tension and ultimate conflict within the narrative.

An elder in Anishinaabe culture featured in *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. Aileen is a cultural keeper, fluent in Anishinaabemowin, and shares traditional knowledge with younger generations. Her stories and lessons provide hope for the community's survival in a post-technological world.

The chief of the band living on the reservation in *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. Initially regarded as a good leader, Terry's crisis management skills are tested and found lacking during the power grid failure. His leadership falters as he cedes control to others when faced with critical decisions.

Evan's best friend in *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. Known as Izzy, he is loyal and supportive of Evan throughout difficult times. Isaiah works in the band maintenance department and proves indispensable to the community during the harsh winter by providing humor and support when needed.

Terry Meegis’s cousin and a band council member in *Moon of the Crusted Snow*. Walter emerges as a more capable leader than Terry, with people turning to him for guidance as the situation worsens. He is pragmatic and relies on trusted individuals like Evan to maintain community cohesion.

A southern refugee in *Moon of the Crusted Snow* who arrives after Justin Scott. Meghan is vulnerable and fearful but tries to warn Nicole about Scott’s danger. She ultimately plays a critical role in the climax of the narrative, overcoming her fear to take decisive action.

Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Canada • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

780L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.