First published 1990
In the remote wilderness of northern Ontario, the Nakina family grapples with a crisis that will test the limits of their bonds. As they gather to mourn a tragic loss, old wounds resurface and simmering tensions boil over. Beneath the stunning natural backdrop, hidden truths emerge, challenging each family member to confront their own fears and desires. Through Ondaatje's lyrical prose, a portrait of a family in flux takes shape - one that explores the power of place, the weight of history, and the fragility of human connection.
Genres: literary-fiction, 20th-century, canadian-literature, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, lyrical
Tropes: family-drama, grief
Setting: Canada, Northern Ontario
Period: 20th Century
736 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books