April 2008

Will's Garden

By Lee Maracle

$16.95 CAD

$14.95 USD

Binding: Paper

On the brink of adulthood, Will grapples with the challenges of adolescence—schoolwork, bullies, love and friendship—while trying to understand what it means to be a Sto:loh man in a complicated world. Through the loving influence of the women in his life and the guidance of ancestors who appear in his dreams, Will comes to realize his role as a caretaker of the land. But just when everything finally appears to be going his way, a serious illness lands him in the hospital and threatens his life and plans for the future.

Awards:

New York Book Festival, 2008 - Honourable Mentions

2008, Honorable Mention

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Reviews:

Review by Ramona Writes Website

For full review please go to Ramona Writes website:

http://ramonawrites.com/will%27s_garden.htm

Ramona Kiyoshk -- Freelance Journalist

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.

Myra Junyk -- Myra Junyk, the former Program Co-ordinator of Language Arts and Library Services at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, is currently working as a literacy advocate.

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Genre: Young Adult
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

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