One Native Life

October 1, 2008
Ojibway novelist Wagamese disclosed the details of his childhood abuse and abandonment in an earlier autobiography; here he moves beyond that painful past to celebrate the learning journey the rest of his life has become. He gradually unearthed his tribal identity, and in these short essays of memories and traditions, he has found the essence of his Ojibway self. He begins with a tribute to one of his many foster fathers, a Ukrainian Canadian who helped him understand his Ojibway need for a strong connection to the land. Writing becomes his most powerful means of expression early onsaving him from feelings of displacement. To Wagamese the library was an enchanted forest, and he worked his way through Homer, Joyce, Shakespeare, and Ibsen, mostly to prove to himself he could tackle anything. In his twenties, Wagamese reconnected with his native family and later began learning the Ojibway language. His memoir is an insightful look at his search for his roots and the traditions binding him not only to his people but the great, grand circle of humanity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)