Moon of the Crusted Snow

Moon of the Crusted Snow cover
Good Books rating 3.83

Technical:
  • ID: 1166
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9781773052441
  • Publisher: ECW Press
  • Published: 2018-10-02
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
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Moon of the Crusted Snow is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that explores themes of survival, community, and cultural identity. Set in a small northern Anishinaabe community, the story begins with a power outage that leaves the residents isolated and vulnerable as winter approaches. As food supplies dwindle and panic sets in, an unexpected visitor arrives, followed by others fleeing the collapsing society to the south. The community's leadership struggles to maintain order, and tensions escalate as the newcomers manipulate the desperate residents. The novel seamlessly integrates Anishinaabe language and traditions, creating a rich and authentic portrayal of the natural world and the community's cultural heritage. /n/n As the months pass, sickness and despair take their toll, and a group of young friends and their families turn to their ancestral knowledge and traditions to restore order. Guided by an unlikely leader named Evan Whitesky, they grapple with difficult decisions and the challenges of rebuilding their community. The novel blends action and allegory, offering a powerful exploration of resilience and the rebirth of a society in the face of 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.