For my English class, we had to read a book called Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. At first, I wasn’t too excited about it considering it wasn’t the type of book I usually read, but after finishing it this weekend, my opinion has been changed. This is such a phenomenal book with such a deep plot. The story of this was heartbreaking and perfectly captured the harsh reality of discrimination against the Indigenous people.
It revolves around the life of a boy named Saul Indian Horse. At a young age, he is sent to a residential school where he picks up a talent for ice hockey. He uses it as a way to escape the horror of the school and the past tragedies he’s lived through. The book follows Saul’s entire life, from a small child to a thirty-three-year-old man. It tells the story of his journey through residential school and his navigation of his life after. It’s absolutely a must-read.
I couldn’t seem to put the book down after a while. It’s a page-turner, but not in the same way as a thriller novel. It always makes you wonder what’s going to happen, if things start to get better for Saul or worse. It really digs deep into your soul. Although the tone of the book is rather nonchalant, the main idea of it is enough to make you say “wow”. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about Canada’s past, especially the bad part of it because only then will we realize what needs to be changed.
Lucky for those of you who prefer movies, Indian Horse was recently adapted into a film. If you don’t read it, I suggest you watch it (but the book is better).
