Title: Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations
Author: Richard Wagamese
First published October 29, 2016
176 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781771621335 (ISBN10: 1771621338)
Rating: 4.5
Overview
Amidst the chaos of modern living, it’s easy to forget the simple things that make life worth living. In Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations, Richard Wagamese reminds us that even the mundane tasks can hold profound meaning.
Drawing inspiration from his experiences in the wilderness and the spiritual traditions of his people, Wagamese shares his personal reflections on grief, joy, recovery, beauty, gratitude, physicality and spirituality. Through his honest and evocative prose, readers will be inspired to find light in even the darkest moments.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on your own spiritual journey or simply looking for a little inspiration, Embers is a must-read.
About the Author
Richard Wagamese, a renowned Native author and storyteller, dedicated his life to professional writing for over four decades. With a diverse portfolio, he served as a newspaper columnist, reporter, radio and television broadcaster, producer, and documentary producer.
His impressive body of work includes twelve titles that were published by esteemed Canadian publishers.
Editoral Review
Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese is a deeply moving and insightful book that delves into the complex experiences of an Indigenous man navigating the landscape of colonial Canada. First published on October 29, 2016, it is a renowned literary work that offers a powerful reflection on the importance of family, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Richard Wagamese, the author of Embers, was an Ojibway writer from Canada who passed away in 2017. His work often centered on Indigenous themes and the challenges faced by Indigenous people in contemporary society.
Embers is an extension of his previous writings, inspired by his personal experiences and his deep connection to the culture and traditions of his people. Embers is a collection of meditations that explores the themes of memory, healing, and reconciliation.
The book follows the story of Sila, an Indigenous man who has struggled with addiction and trauma throughout his life. After Sila’s death, his son embarks on a journey of self-discovery, retracing his footsteps and learning about his father’s life in order to make sense of his own.
Wagamese’s writing is both delicate and powerful, bringing to life the harsh realities and the beauty of Indigenous life in Canada. The story is infused with myth and legend, connecting the past to the present and weaving a tapestry of characters that represent the complexity of Indigenous experiences.
The book is not just a work of fiction or memoir, but a historical document that honours the experiences of Indigenous people and seeks to bring healing to long-standing wounds. It speaks to the ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation in Canada and offers a powerful message of hope and resilience.
The book’s strengths lie in its ability to bring to life the complexity and richness of Indigenous culture and traditions. Wagamese’s writing is poetic and evocative, drawing on the natural world to convey the deep sense of connection that Indigenous people have to the land.
The book’s weaknesses are few, but some readers may find the narrative structure to be disjointed at times, with the story jumping between different time periods and perspectives. However, this is not necessarily a flaw, but rather a reflection of the fragmented experiences of Indigenous people who have been forced to navigate the complexities of colonialism.
In conclusion, Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations is a remarkable work of literature that speaks to the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world. It is a necessary read for anyone interested in the complexity of Indigenous experiences, and for anyone seeking to better understand the ongoing fight for justice and reconciliation.
The book receives a five-star rating for its impeccable writing, rich character development, and powerful message of hope and resilience.
