Will's Garden
Will's Garden is Maracle's first novel to cross over into young adult fiction. This coming-of-age story of a young Sto:loh man is set in Sto:loh territory. Will takes the time to look again at the women in his life and consider his future as a Sto:loh caretaker of the land in the modern world. He also deals with the common issues of a teenager: bullying, sexuality, love and illness. Will's Garden explores the ceremonial traditions of Sto:loh boys who are becoming men.
Awards:
New York Book Festival
Reviews:
Review by Ramona Writes Website
For full review please go to Ramona Writes website:
http://ramonawrites.com/will%27s_garden.htm
Canadian Material Review
This revised edition of Lee Maracle's 2002 novel about the coming-of-age story describes the Sto:loh Aboriginal culture in British Columbia. In this matriarchal society, women control most of the decision-making power in the household. Decisions are made in the best interests of the entire clan. It is a very different approach from the individualism of white culture. Will's "memories" of past events in his history speak to the incredible strength and determination of his family members — in particular, the women of the clan.
Maracle's descriptions evoke the beauty of the British Columbia setting of this novel. "At night when the moon wrestles with dark fluffy clouds like she's doing now, I feel like I can remember backwards and forwards." The movement between past and present in Will's mind is sometimes confusing for readers. The novel explores family relationships, prejudice, stereotyping, sexuality, bullying, residential schools and first love. Maracle celebrates Aboriginal culture and traditions but does not shy away from the complexities of Aboriginal life.
Recommended
CM . . . . Volume XV Number 11 . . . . January 23, 2009
$16.95 CAD
$14.95 USD
Pub Date: April 2008
ISBN 978-1-894778-59-6
Size: 5 x 7.5 inches
Page Count: 190
Binding: Paper
Age Range: 13 and older
BISAC 1: JNF011040
BISAC 2: FIC000000