The Orenda
The Orenda
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Canada • 17th Century
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Orenda by Joseph Boyden is a 2013 historical novel set in the early 17th century in the region that would become Canada, following three characters from different nations: Bird, a Wyandot warrior; Snow Falls, an Iroquois girl; and Christophe, a French Jesuit missionary. Their intertwined stories illustrate the complexities of cultural clash and cooperation amid the formation of future Canadian society. The novel includes depictions of violence and sexual assault.
Mysterious
Dark
Gritty
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
20,610 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joseph Boyden's The Orenda is praised for its vivid prose and historical accuracy, offering a harrowing yet immersive depiction of 17th-century indigenous and settler life in Canada. While some readers find the multiple perspectives enriching, others critique the graphic violence and perceive a lack of depth in character development. Overall, it’s a compelling yet heavy read.
Who Should Read The Orenda?
A reader who would enjoy The Orenda by Joseph Boyden likely appreciates historical fiction, complex narratives, and deep cultural exploration. Fans of The Last of the Mohicans and The Secret River will find Boyden's rich storytelling and the intertwining lives of First Nations, French, and Jesuit characters engrossing and enlightening.
20,610 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Novel • Fiction
Canada • 17th Century
2013
Adult
18+ years
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