50 pages • 1 hour read
The Break
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Book Brief
350
Novel • Fiction
Winnipeg, Manitoba • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Break by Katherena Vermette, published in Canada in 2016 and the United States in 2018, centers around a multigenerational family grappling with their past while dealing with the fallout of a crime against one of their youngest members. Set in Winnipeg, the novel explores themes of intergenerational trauma, justice, and systemic oppression faced by Indigenous communities, utilizing multiple perspectives through third-person and first-person narration. The book contains graphic scenes of sexual and physical violence, as well as depictions of addiction, self-harm, and racist language directed at Indigenous people.
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Unnerving
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
21,847 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Katherena Vermette's The Break explores a community's trauma and resilience through compelling, multifaceted characters. Reviewers praise its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and powerful storytelling. However, some find its multiple perspectives occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's lauded for its profound impact and nuanced portrayal of Indigenous experiences.
Who Should Read The Break?
A reader who would enjoy The Break by Katherena Vermette is one who appreciates multi-generational, poignant narratives about Indigenous experiences and resilience. Comparable to readers of Louise Erdrich’s The Round House and Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, they seek profound stories that explore identity, trauma, and community.
21,847 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Emily
Emily
A young teenage girl who begins with naive excitement and is central to the narrative's darker events, she grapples with personal trauma while maintaining her caring nature.
Cheryl
Cheryl
A nurturing figure and caregiver who offers support and understanding to her family, facilitating their healing while dealing with her own regrets.
Tommy Scott
Tommy Scott
The novel's sole male perspective, a police officer navigating his identity between two worlds while striving to connect the Indigenous community with law enforcement.
350
Novel • Fiction
Winnipeg, Manitoba • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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