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Fiction Native American & Aboriginal

Home Waltz

by (author) G.A. Grisenthwaite

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

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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.

G.A. Grisenthwaite's profile page

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.

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