Through Black Spruce

The oldest daughter of Lisette, Annie is one of the story’s main narrators. She is a Cree Indian from Moosonee, a small town in Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a more modern town but was taught the old ways of Indian life by her grandfather, a member of the Anishnabe tribe, and her uncle Will. She is a skilled hunter and trapper, and spending time in the bush is one of her favorite things to do. Annie is a strong-willed daughter who knows how to take care of herself, but she also enjoys the comfort and protection of her family and friends. She has always compared herself to her sister, being jealous of Suzanne’s beauty and the men she attracted. Though Annie struggles to find her own identity and voice, she succeeds before the novel ends.

Will Bird is in a coma for most of the story, narrating stories to his nieces, Annie and Suzanne. This alcoholic uncle is strongly loyal to his family and friends, and that loyalty is a key theme in the book. Alcohol does cripple him at times, but he explains the ways he tries to stay above his addiction.