Book Review: A Grandmother Begins the Story by Michelle Porter

A Grandmother Begins the Story
by Michelle Porter (Porter)

Award winning Metis author Michelle Porter brings to life a brilliant ensemble of storytellers, which includes five generations of women, some buffalo, the earth itself, and a couple of yappy dogs. It starts in the middle, as all great stories do; telling of the past and future, rambling through the spirit world, the dance hall, and the grasslands. I found the way the stories were told, separately, but interlaced, distinct points of view describing shared histories, captivating. In the mixed up world of living, it makes sense to me. Mostly a telling of relationships between sisters and mothers and daughters, but you can’t have those without a few menfolk thrown in. Definitely one I I’d like to read again. (If only to decide if that one chapter was really necessary.)

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power, Two Old Women by Velma Wallis, The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson, or Probably Ruby by Lisa Bird-Wilson.)

 

( Wikipedia page for Michelle Porter )

 

Recommended by Carrie K.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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