The novel takes place in two different settings: Moosonee, Ontario, found within the Northern Canadian Bush, and three urban hotspots: Toronto, Montreal and New York. The settings are important because each of them house a different form of danger towards the protagonist and his niece. The cities represent helplessness and going astray, as Annie attempts to find Suzanne. The bush represents home and loneliness because no one would help Will escape from Marius. Throughout the novel, the mood is tense, dark and sentimental, but at times, humorous and calm. Joseph Boyden uses metaphors and similes constantly within the novel. For example: “Mother Nature was one angry slut” (Boyden 3).
Will Bird, who is in a coma, relives his past, which is filled…show more content… The narrator and point of view changes each chapter. The odd numbered chapters revolve around Will’s story while the even numbered chapters revolve around Annie’s. This effect is enhanced when Boyden begins to foreshadow and leave you hanging at the end of a chapter because then you had to read another story before you got to continue the previous story. Boyden uses explicit language as well as Ojibway terms throughout the novel, further connecting the book to Boyden’s native language while prompting the reader to research the meaning of each term. For example: “‘Mona, Nootahwe.’”…show more content… I think the author is successful in getting his idea across because he makes his characters to revolve around the theme. Unbreakable bond between love and family is represented by Will while Annie represents the importance of resilience. The imagery and diction of the novel is unbelievably detailed and allowed the reader to imagine every little aspect of the two stories. I would recommend this novel to individuals of the age 15 or older, especially those who admire action, adventure, incredible character development and like stories with a focus on
