98 pages • 3 hours read
Eden RobinsonSon of a Trickster
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017A 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.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Son of a Trickster, 16-year-old Jared lives in Kitimat, British Columbia, with his volatile mother, Maggie, while dealing with the challenges of addiction, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the discovery of his supernatural heritage tied to the Trickster spirit. The novel, informed by the author's Haisla and Heiltsuk heritage, intertwines realistic experiences with mystical elements, exploring themes of family, identity, and resilience. The novel contains mature themes including addiction, abuse, and self-harm.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson blends vivid Indigenous mythology with a coming-of-age story, earning praise for its relatable protagonist and rich cultural elements. However, some reviews note its dense narrative and erratic pacing. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its originality and emotional depth, despite minor structural flaws.
Who Should Read Son of a Trickster?
A reader who would enjoy Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson delights in coming-of-age stories with Indigenous themes, magical realism, and witty dark humor. Comparable to Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, this novel appeals to those who appreciate rich cultural narratives and complex, flawed characters.