93 pages • 3 hours read
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213
Novel • Fiction
Northern Canada • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
780L
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
33,142 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
33,142 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nicole McCloud
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.
Justin Scott
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.
Aileen Jones
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.
Terry Meegis
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.
Isaiah North
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.
Walter Meegis
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.
Meghan Connor
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.
213
Novel • Fiction
Northern Canada • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
780L
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