50 pages • 1 hour read
Katherena VermetteThe Break
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Break by Katherena Vermette, published in Canada in 2016 and the United States in 2018, centers around a multigenerational family grappling with their past while dealing with the fallout of a crime against one of their youngest members. Set in Winnipeg, the novel explores themes of intergenerational trauma, justice, and systemic oppression faced by Indigenous communities, utilizing multiple perspectives through third-person and first-person narration. The book contains graphic scenes of sexual and physical violence, as well as depictions of addiction, self-harm, and racist language directed at Indigenous people.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Katherena Vermette's The Break explores a community's trauma and resilience through compelling, multifaceted characters. Reviewers praise its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and powerful storytelling. However, some find its multiple perspectives occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's lauded for its profound impact and nuanced portrayal of Indigenous experiences.
Who Should Read The Break?
A reader who would enjoy The Break by Katherena Vermette is one who appreciates multi-generational, poignant narratives about Indigenous experiences and resilience. Comparable to readers of Louise Erdrich’s The Round House and Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, they seek profound stories that explore identity, trauma, and community.