The Marrow Thieves

Good

Loved this book. Much like Tender Is The Flesh (by Agustina Bazterrica) The Marrow Thieves is a dystopian fiction that made me feel uncomfortable because I could see it happening.In a world where only Indeginous Peoples can dream, they are hunted and killed by the government to harvest their marrow, which allows others to dream again.You also had a coming of age story in a world where the MCs very existence is threatened when all he wants to do is form community and learn his past.

This book destroyed me and then mended me back more whole than I was before. The theme of the story is perseverance through loss; surviving the unsurvivable and finding new and old reasons to continue. I am mixed. Métis and Irish on my mom’s side and a bunch of everything on my dad’s side. Reading a book where I can truly identify is rare. The sense of culture loss and the slow trickle of more of that culture being erased by lack of opportunities to pass it on spoke so much to me. As did the scramble to fight to maintain and learn it. The sprinkling of words that Frenchie held onto like treasure… I felt that to my core. There’s so much to pay attention to in this book… so many important stories and threads that all create something so beautiful… and yet also it’s got hints of teen angst, first love, and jealousy… it all wrapped up into this book that is immediately one of my favorites.

This YA dystopian novel is one of the best things I’ve read all year. Brilliantly crafted, it ripped my heart out over and over again, and yet, the threads of resilience and hope are so artfully woven through that while you morn, you never despair. The last chapter had me sobbing like a baby in the best, most joyous way. I’m a little now just writing this.Read this book. It has five damn medals on the cover for a reason.

📚 120/100 (2024 Reading Goal)📖 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨✍️ 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲🎧 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗴𝘄𝘂𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:Post apocalyptic, dystopian, native/indigenous peoples’ stories, beautiful prose, first person narrative, found family𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲(𝘀):“I watched his soul fold up on itself like a closing door. The light and warmth and humanity clapped shut in his eyes because he couldn’t protect the one thing that mattered. There was no coming back from that, even if he did manage to walk away later on, which he wouldn’t.”“So much laid to waste from the miscalculation of infallibility in the face of a planet’s revolt.”“And how quickly people would forget the art in the Indian and instead see only the commodity.”“‘…running only works if you’re moving towards something, not away. Otherwise, you’ll never get anywhere.’”𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:“The Marrow Thieves” by Cherie Dimaline is an exquisitely crafted post-apocalyptic tale that deeply affected me, resonating long after the final chapter. Dimaline’s unique gift for world-building creates a setting that is both heartbreakingly desolate and hauntingly beautiful. The post-apocalyptic landscape is vividly depicted, immersing me in its stark reality and tender moments of hope.The story is more than just a dystopian adventure; it’s a poignant exploration of humanity’s resilience and the enduring power of connection. Each character is intricately developed, their struggles and triumphs painting a comprehensive picture of survival and love in a world gone awry. Dimaline skillfully interweaves the pre-apocalypse struggles of Indigenous peoples, highlighting their history of resistance, cultural richness, and the profound impact of their unique gift of dreaming.In this dystopian future, where the world has been ravaged and people have lost the ability to dream, the Indigenous peoples’ ability to dream becomes a coveted resource. They are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the key to restoring this lost ability. This brutal reality adds a chilling layer to the narrative, underscoring the ongoing exploitation and marginalization of Indigenous communities. Dimaline’s portrayal of these harrowing circumstances is both powerful and deeply moving, shedding light on the resilience and strength of these communities.Cherie Dimaline’s prose is lyrical and evocative, making the story’s emotional impact even more profound. I found myself crying several times throughout the story, shedding tears of happiness during moments of hope and connection, and tears of immense sadness during the harrowing and heartbreaking scenes. Her ability to blend the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world with moments of beauty and tenderness is truly remarkable. “The Marrow Thieves” is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-wrenching.The audiobook narration by Meegwun Fairbrother was nothing short of incredible. His voice brought each character to life with such depth and authenticity that I felt entirely immersed in their journeys. The occasional sound effects, such as the crackling of the campfire and the eerie sound of the wind during the most horrific parts of the story, added an extra layer of realism, making the listening experience even more captivating. The subtle nuances in Fairbrother’s performance captured the emotional weight of the story perfectly, enhancing the already gripping narrative.Overall, “The Marrow Thieves” is an unforgettable read, and the audiobook elevates the experience to new heights. It’s a story that lingers in your mind and heart, a beautiful yet devastating journey that I cannot recommend enough.