42 pages • 1 hour read
Joseph BoydenWenjack
Fiction | Novella | 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
Wenjack by Joseph Boyden recounts the harrowing journey of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack, who escapes from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School in an attempt to return to his home in Ogoki Post, Northern Ontario. Along the way, Wenjack faces numerous challenges, including harsh weather, physical ailments, and the lack of guidance or resources, as he is watched over by the Manitous, spirits of the forest. The source text includes depictions of a minor's sexual assault and abuse within a residential school.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Overall, reviewers commend Joseph Boyden's Wenjack for its poignant and powerful storytelling, lauding its emotional depth and engaging narrative. The portrayal of the protagonist's journey is also highly praised for shedding light on historical injustices. However, some critics argue that the novella's brevity limits character development and narrative complexity.
Who Should Read Wenjack?
Readers who would enjoy Joseph Boyden's Wenjack are typically drawn to historical fiction and narratives about indigenous experiences. Fans of Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Louise Erdrich's The Round House will appreciate the poignant exploration of cultural identity and systemic injustices faced by indigenous people.