Alice B. reviewed on 4/26/2019 + 3591 more book reviews

A remarkably honest picture of life in a Yup'ik Eskimo village in 1890 that pulls no punches. Minuk, 12, is coming of age at a time when the first American missionaries are appearing in the upper reaches of the Kuskokwim River in western Alaska. Readers witness her first encounter with everything from chairs to written language and Christianity, and observe the friendly and respectful initial reception of the Yup'ik villagers to the outlanders. There are moments of humor as when she observes the newcomers' laundry line and sees something that turns out to be a corset. When Minuk's cousin begins her menstrual cycles, readers learn how the Yup'ik welcomed girls to womanhood. The eventual culture clash is portrayed in an honest way, and readers will mourn with Minuk the devastating effects of western diseases on the Native Alaskan population. Hill bows to the first-person series convention, but manages to create a clear and believable voice for her protagonist. This provocative book will prompt thought and reflection, and is particularly revealing and honest in its portrayal of the village's introduction to a proselytizing belief system that conflicts with their own values. The afterword will help readers learn more, including what life may be like for contemporary Yup'ik girls. Historical photos add to the textual explanations, although the inclusion of a picture of the Russian Orthodox church in Sitka is about a thousand miles off course. Nonetheless, a fine achievement.

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