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Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice (Anishinaabe) was a highly anticipated release for many readers & for very good reason. It’s been a long while since I’ve had such an emotional reaction to a novels ending.

What does life look like for Indigenous people when society as we know it falls apart? Is it a death sentence or is it a chance to live our lives in a way that more closely resembles that of our ancestors? Is it our opportunity to truly return home? As Anishinaabekwe, this novel certainly felt that way.

The love & care for the land, Anishinaabemowin & community are all woven into the prose. When I close my eyes & think of this novel, I see trees, sunlight, ceremony and full bodies of water. I appreciated the loving and careful depictions of ceremony and how Anishinaabe language was interspersed throughout.

The action in the novel really keeps you hooked & the genuine bonds between the characters are so well developed that each emotion shines through truthfully. Everything is immensely well balanced.

This is an amazing sequel. If you haven’t read Moon of the Crusted Snow, I’d highly recommend you read it as soon as possible and then enjoy Moon of the Turning Leaves.

Anishinaabe have and will always be here, caring for the land and our people.