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The Break is the first novel by Canadian poet, film-maker and award-winning author, Katherena Vermette. Late one cold February night, a small-town Canadian Police Department gets a 911 call. Stella McGregor, a young Metis wife and mother, is witnessing an assault on a stretch of land known as The Break, adjacent to her home. While there are still signs of a scuffle in the snow by the time two officers arrive, they are dubious about the witness’s assertion that a woman has been raped: the broken beer bottle and the pool of blood point to a gang fight.

But rookie Officer Tommy Scott, himself Metis, persists when his older (white) partner is ready to close the case, and the appearance of a horrifically injured teenaged girl in the Emergency Department of the local hospital validates his instincts. As the girl’s family gather around to provide support, the reader learns not just her story, but those of her extended family and close friends.

The tale is told over a few days in February, from the perspective of multiple narrators, who of course colour it with their own experiences and views. The characters are well-developed, the prose is often exquisite, and the strong connection to family and place makes it reminiscent of some of Ron Rash’s fine work. Vermette’s familiarity with, and love for, the Metis nation is apparent in every paragraph.

This novel may be described as literary crime, with the emphasis on literary, because the perpetrator becomes fairly obvious early on. The story is definitely character- rather than plot-driven. It is no surprise that it has been a been a bestseller since its release in Canada, and won multiple awards. Vermette’s debut novel is a brilliant read and it will be interesting to see what this talented author does next.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin and GoodReads Giveaways for this copy to read and review.