Book Review: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
***May contain spoilers***
***Scroll to the end for my rating***
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley was a Goodreads Choice Award Winner in 2021 for Reader’s Favorite Young Adult Fiction and a Nominee for Reader’s Favorite Debut Novel in the same year. After reading this novel (honestly, even before I finished it), I understood why.
Boulley wrote such a captivating story full of diverse backgrounds, culture, twists, and memorable characters. The depths of this story are impressive; the layers that are pulled back and developed throughout keep the reader on their toes and hoping for more. There are so many pertinent characters, too, yet it doesn’t get confusing. That shows how well-thought-out the plot of this story is.
I found the main character, Daunis Fontaine, to be such an intricate, inspiring woman who showed how many different ways there are to be a badass when fighting for those you love, searching for the truth, and understanding the depths of your beliefs, even as they may shift along the way.
My favorite part about reading this story was getting an inside look into the Native American culture, especially within the Ojibwe community. Other than some basic history I learned back in elementary school, I never really had the opportunity (and that’s on me for not researching more on my own) to dive into understanding the traditions of Native tribes. I know that the book is fiction, but there is so much truth woven into the pages. About the culture and traditions of Native tribes, as well as the science and difficulties that different communities throughout the U.S. face with crime and drugs. It was such a powerful read.
I read this book both physically and listened to the audio, and I am glad I did so, as I could hear how the Native words are pronounced, which made the immersion into the story even better. I also felt that the words deserved to be read correctly, which is why I used both methods while reading.
I always love a story where community, family, and traditions are the cornerstones of the environment the characters belong to, no matter what that looks like, and this story took those elements into territory I’ve never experienced. I don’t often read mysteries, but as I continue to read them, I hope they entice and educate me as much as this one did.
I do not want to give away any plot details because I think this story just deserves to be read. Go in blind, it may surprise you even more, but regardless, it is worth the read 10 times over just for a taste of the culture.
With all of the above in mind, and the way this story has stuck with me weeks after completing it, I am rating Firekeeper’s Daughter 10 out of 10 stars. If you choose to read Firekeeper’s Daughter, please check all trigger warnings before, as some topics may be difficult for some readers. Reading is great, but keep your mind and mental health at the forefront!
As always, thanks for reading! 💜
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
