Brothers in Arms

"Brothers in Arms" is a collection of three short novellas written by Jordan Wheeler, that deal with the stuggles of brotherhood. Wheeler defines the essence of the Metis people through his short stories of brothers and their relationships to eachother and their culture. Wheeler recreates the struggles of survival that the Metis people have delt with for centuries. "Brothers in Arms" allows readers to understand the history and beliefs of the Metis. Each of the three stories focuses on an evil that has long oppressed the Metis. "Exposure" deals with the horrible burdens of sexual abuse sustained by children at mandatory,Cathlioc-run boarding schools. "Red Waves" is a story of Native brothers who find themselves on different sides of the law. Historical oppressors such as, The Hudson's Bay Company, Labatt Breweries and the Cathlioc church are bombing targets for a Native Terrorist group. "Hearse in Snow" highlights how alcohol has torn families apart. "Brothers in Arms" reveals the remarkable strenth and unity of the Metis and their ability to overcome the many obstacles they encounter. "Brothers in Arms" provides an indepth look at the lifestyle, unity and identity of Native people and is a worthwhile selection for teenagers regardless of culture.

Three novellas of modern Native life -- each focussing on Native brothers -- by Canadian Cree writer Jordan Wheeler. High appeal to teenagers, especially young men, though not written as YA. "Hearse in Snow" was dramatized for the CBC series "Inside Stories" (not shown in US). Two brothers are taking their father's corpse home for burial when a snowstorm traps them for a night in the hearse. They pass the stormy night reliving their childhood memories of each others' lives and of their father. In "Red Waves" two brothers are caught on opposite sides of a Native Liberation struggle where the militant group one brother belongs to is going to blow up a government facility where the other has friends working. "Exposure" explores AIDS, its effect both on the brothers (one of whom is exposed) and on the Native community they belong to. In all the stories, Wheeler shows both the brothers who are the focus of each story and the Native communities -- Reserve and urban -- to which they belong. 224 pages. Reviewed by Paula Giese, editor Native Books website, http://www.fdl.cc.mn.us/~isk/books/bookmenu.htm