Title: A Mind Spread Out on the Ground
Author: Alicia Elliott
First published March 26, 2019
240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385692380 (ISBN10: 0385692382)
Rating: 4.46
Overview
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of trauma, oppression and racism in North America. Drawing on her own experiences with intergenerational trauma, Elliott delves into topics such as race, love, mental illness, poverty, sexual assault, gentrification, writing and representation.
Through personal stories and insightful observations, she sheds light on the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the ways it continues to impact Native communities today. From the small details of her childhood to the larger issues facing society, Elliott provides a candid, searing look at our past, present and future.
With deep consideration and powerful prose, A Mind Spread Out on the Ground is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complex and often painful realities of life in North America.
Editoral Review
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott is a powerful and poignant memoir that explores the author’s experiences growing up as an Indigenous woman in Canada. Published on March 26, 2019, this book has quickly gained critical acclaim for its honest and unflinching examination of the impact of colonialism, racism, and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities.
Elliott is a Tuscarora writer from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario, Canada. She has written extensively on Indigenous issues for publications such as The Globe and Mail, CBC, and The Walrus.
In A Mind Spread Out on the Ground, she brings her unique perspective and voice to bear on her own personal story.
The book is a hybrid of memoir, cultural critique, and political analysis. Elliott weaves together personal anecdotes, family history, and broader social commentary to create a cohesive narrative that is both deeply introspective and broadly relevant.
She explores themes such as identity, belonging, mental health, and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people to reclaim their cultural heritage and sovereignty.
One of the strengths of the book is its vivid and evocative writing style. Elliott has a gift for crafting beautiful and memorable prose that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.
She is also skilled at using metaphor and symbolism to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, she describes the feeling of being caught between two cultures as “a state of suspension, like a hummingbird hovering in mid-air.”
The book is divided into four sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Elliott’s life and experiences. The first section, “Mind,” focuses on her struggles with mental health and the impact of intergenerational trauma on her family.
The second section, “Body,” delves into her experiences of racism and sexism, and the ways in which they have affected her sense of self-worth. The third section, “Nation,” looks at the broader historical and political context of colonization and Indigenous resistance.
The final section, “Spirit,” reflects on the role of spirituality and cultural practices in healing and resilience.
Throughout the book, Elliott is unafraid to tackle difficult and uncomfortable topics, such as the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing violence against Indigenous women. She is also willing to be vulnerable and honest about her own struggles with mental health and addiction.
This makes the book both emotionally raw and intellectually rigorous.
One of the few weaknesses of the book is that it can be at times disjointed and meandering. Elliott jumps back and forth between different time periods and themes, which can make it difficult to follow the thread of the narrative.
However, this is a minor quibble in a book that is otherwise so rich and rewarding.
Overall, A Mind Spread Out on the Ground is a must-read for anyone interested in Indigenous issues, mental health, or personal growth. It is a powerful and beautifully written memoir that offers a unique perspective on the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people in Canada and beyond.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to broaden their understanding of these important issues. 4.5/5
