The Berry Pickers
The Berry Pickers ~ Amanda Peters
In 1962, a Native family comes to Maine from Nova Scotia to pick blueberries, as they do every year. A few weeks in, the four year old daughter, Ruthie, disappears. The last person to see her before she vanishes is her 6 year old brother, Joe, who feels responsible for her loss.
Norma is a young girl growing up in Maine to an overprotective mother and a distant father. She has dreams that feel like memories, but they are elusive and unsubstantial.
This was a heartbreaking tale of a stolen child, and the repercussions on both the family that lost her and the family that raised her. I really enjoyed the glimpse into the First Nation characters and their relationships. Less enjoyable but certainly educational was the racism that they suffered at every step in their journey. Recommended.
What’s with all the book reviews? I’m participating in NaBloPoMo this month, writing a post a day. I decided that I would write about the books that I have read this year. For more NaBloPoMo participants, check out San’s list.
8 Comments
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I enjoyed this book! I had one friend who didn’t like it so I almost didn’t read it but I did in the end and I am glad that I did! I found it interesting and of course liked learning a bit more about the First Nations people.
Elisabeth
Obviously my eyes sparkled with the mention of Nova Scotia. I’ve never read this book, but I’ve heard great things about it.
Lisa's Yarns
I also really liked ths book – I gave it 5 stars! It made me think of Elisabeth when I read it since much of it is set in Nova Scotia!
nance
I was disappointed in this book. I always felt like I was being held at a distance from any emotions, and there should have been plenty that were deep and profound. It felt shallow and very matter of fact to me. I expected so much more.
Jenny
THis is another book I’ve heard of but never read. It sounds fascinating!
AC
I’ve been to Nova Scotia, and I can’t believe that abyhting bad would happen there. ?
Birchie
Oooh! I meant to read this book when it came out but never got around to it. Thanks for the reminder! I just put it on hold.
Alexandra
Not a subject I’d want to read about, so maybe not something I’d look at in the library let alone buy.