Initiation

"Initiation" is alive with an approachable, personalized glimpse into Kwakwaka'wakw life. Well researched, this novel fills-in gaps concerning what is known about daily life of the Kwakwaka'wakw with thoughtful details (especially concerning Kwakwaka'wakw religion & shamanism). A quick and compelling read, I finished the novel in one day. The blurring of the barriers between natural and supernatural was titillating and rang true. This novel covers much anthropological ground without getting too bogged down with Kwakwala vocabulary. "Initiation" will appeal as much to adults as students and is the rarest of gems: an Indian story that need not involve European characters, and a REALISTIC, positive, and balanced view of first nations culture (not ignorantly biased).