Fiction Native American & Aboriginal
Home Waltz
- Publisher
- Palimpsest Press
- Initial publish date
- Sep 2020
- Category
- Native American & Aboriginal, Small Town & Rural, Coming of Age
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781989287644
- Publish Date
- Sep 2020
- List Price
- $18.98
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
In 1973, fifteen-year old Q?óq?ésk?i?, or "Squito" Bob, is a mixed-blood N?e?kepmx boy trying to find his place in a small, mostly Native town. His closest friends are three n?e?kepmx boys and a white kid, an obnoxious runt who thinks himself superior to his friends. Accepted as neither Native nor white, Squito often feels like the stray dog of the group and envisions a short, disastrous life for himself. Home Waltz follows the boys over thirty-six hours on what should be one of the best weekends of their lives. With a senior girls volleyball tournament in town, Squito's favourite band performing, and enough alcohol for ten people, the boys dream of girls, dancing and possibly romance. A story of love, heartbreak and tragedy, Home Waltz delves into suicide, alcohol abuse, body image insecurities, and systemic racism. A coming of age story like no other, Home Waltz speaks to the indigenous experience of growing up in a world that doesn't want or trust you.
About the author
G.A. Grisenthwaite is a Nlaka'pamux writer and a member of the Lytton First Nation. His debut novel, Home Waltz, was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award. Grisenthwaite lives in Kingsville, Ontario.
Editorial Reviews
In 1973, fifteen-year old Q?óq?ésk?i?, or "Squito" Bob, is a mixed-blood N?e?kepmx boy trying to find his place in a small, mostly Native town. His closest friends are three N?e?kepmx boys and a white kid, an obnoxious runt who thinks himself superior to his friends. Accepted as neither Native nor white, Squito often feels like the stray dog of the group and envisions a short, disastrous life for himself. Home Waltz follows the boys over thirty-six hours on what should be one of the best weekends of their lives. With a senior girls volleyball tournament in town, Squito's favourite band performing, and enough alcohol for ten people, the boys dream of girls, dancing and possibly romance. A story of love, heartbreak and tragedy, Home Waltz delves into suicide, alcohol abuse, body image insecurities, and systemic racism. A coming-of-age story like no other, Home Waltz speaks to the Indigenous experience of growing up in a world that doesn't want or trust you.