Moon of the Crusted Snow

by Waubgeshig Rice
Moon of the Crusted Snow cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £16.99
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Format • £16.14
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  • ID: 1166
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-04-11
  • ISBN: 9781773052441
  • Publisher: ECW Press
  • Published: 2018-10-02
  • Formats: 37
  • Reviews: 4

In a remote northern Anishinaabe community, winter brings isolation and darkness, leading to panic as food supplies dwindle and an unexpected visitor arrives, followed by others escaping societal collapse. As tensions rise and leadership falters, a group of young friends turns to tradition and the land for guidance, grappling with difficult decisions to restore order and hope. Author Waubgeshig Rice seamlessly weaves Anishinaabe language and cultural elements into this powerful narrative, creating a vivid portrayal of the natural world and the struggles of a community on the brink. This literary science-fiction tale explores themes of survival, resilience, and the rebirth of society amidst catastrophe.

Reviews
Equal Opportunity Reader · 2025-09-27
mixed 3.00

The initial slow pace and flat writing were disappointing, but the story eventually picks up. The apocalypse details are intriguing despite the slow start.

The reviewer from Equal Opportunity Reader expresses initial disappointment with the slow pace and flat writing in the first third of the book. However, they acknowledge that the story eventually picks up and becomes more engaging. The reviewer finds the details about the apocalypse intriguing and appreciates the unique perspective on survival and community. Despite the slow start, the book is seen as a worthwhile read with compelling elements that emerge as the story progresses.

Quick quotes

    For the first third of this book I was disappointed.

    The writing seemed flat, the story slow, and the details about the apocalypse apparently.

    The story eventually picks up and becomes more engaging.

Steve Stred Author · 2025-09-27
engaging 4.50

The characters are wonderfully complex and human, making the story deeply engaging. The narrative is crafted with precision and emotional depth.

The reviewer from Steve Stred Author praises Waubgeshig Rice for crafting a pristine story with complex, flawed, and deeply human characters. The narrative's emotional depth and precision are highlighted as key strengths. The reviewer finds the characters' struggles and triumphs to be compelling, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of human nature and resilience in the face of crisis.

Quick quotes

    Rice has crafted such a pristine story here.

    The characters are wonderfully complex, battered, flawed, but human.

    The narrative is crafted with precision and emotional depth.

Malahat Review · Jamie Dopp · 2025-09-27
inspiring 4.00

The novel ends on a quasi-heroic note as survivors seek to establish a new traditional Ojibwe life. The story is a powerful exploration of resilience and adaptation.

Jamie Dopp highlights the novel's ending, where survivors head into the bush to create a new version of traditional Ojibwe life. This choice is seen as both a testament to the characters' resilience and a poignant commentary on the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures. The review emphasizes the book's themes of survival and the importance of community in the face of adversity. Dopp appreciates the way the narrative balances the harsh realities of the situation with moments of hope and cultural pride.

Quick quotes

    Moon of the Crusted Snow ends on a quasi-heroic note, when survivors head into the bush to establish a new version of traditional Ojibwe life.

    This offers a powerful exploration of resilience and adaptation.

    The story is a testament to the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures.

Triumph of the Now · 2019-02-25
excellent 4.00

The book is complex yet simple, riveting yet believable, making it a standout read. The narrative is engaging and surprising without losing its credibility.

The reviewer from Triumph of the Now highlights the intricate balance in 'Moon of the Crusted Snow'. They appreciate how the book manages to be complex without being confusing and simple without being simplistic. The narrative is riveting and surprising, yet it never strays from complete believability. This balance makes the book a standout read, engaging the reader from start to finish. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to maintain a sense of realism, which adds to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    It is complex without being confusing but also simple without being simplistic.

    It is riveting and surprising yet never a step away from complete believability.

    The narrative is engaging and surprising without losing its credibility.

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