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  • Indian Horse

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Richard Wagamese
  • Narrated by: Jason Ryll
  • Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,589 ratings)

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Indian Horse

Written by: Richard Wagamese
Narrated by: Jason Ryll
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Publisher's Summary

Saul Indian Horse is in critical condition. Sitting feeble in an alcoholism treatment facility, he is told that sharing his story will help relieve his agony. Though skeptical, he embarks on a heartbreaking journey from the present - and into the woods of Northern Ontario, where his life began in a snowy Ojibway camp. The tale that follows is one of great pain and great determination from Richard Wagamese, an author who "never seems to waste a shot" (New York Times).

After being taken forcibly from his family, Saul is placed in an abusive boarding school determined to expunge his Ojibway traditions and knowledge. But he finds salvation each morning at dawn, practicing hockey alone on the school's makeshift ice rink. Saul's gift is undeniable: He quickly rises from his school's all-Ojibway team to the white-dominated regional circuit. As his skills improve and he gains notoriety, however, each of his victories on the ice is met by racism and hate. As the years pass, Saul must reconcile his passion - the game he loves, that allowed him to escape poverty - with the harshness of a world that will never make him entirely welcome.

Unfolding against the bleak loveliness of Northern Ontario - all rock, marsh, bog, and cedar - this is a singular story of resilience from a beloved storyteller.

©2012 Richard Wagamese (P)2017 Audible, Inc.
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Editorial Review

When everything around you is trying to erase every aspect of who you are, how do you stay true to yourself?

From Richard Wagamese comes this triumphant story of resilience through unbearable pain and suffering. Indian Horse takes a sharp look at the impacts and suffering inflicted on First Nation people across Canada as they were forced to enter the Indian residential school system that proceeded to strip them of every aspect of their identity. Author Richard Wagamese does not shy away from the harsh realities of Canadian history, or the sufferings of his people, highlighting not only the initial pains but the long-lasting traumas that have shaped and derailed so many Indigenous peoples.

The story centers around Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway man at the end of his life after years of alcohol abuse and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Richard Wagamese’s novel dives into his character’s past, offering a raw and candid look at how young Indigenous children were removed from their families, forced to learn English, punished with beatings, and generally abused under the guise of ‘civilizing.’

The story highlights both young and adult Saul, providing a clear picture of the traumas and their long-lasting effects. Indian Horse’s recollections tell his story of experiencing this pain first hand, and how he sought solace and escape in the beauty of northern Ontario, and as a hockey player in Toronto, lacing his skates for a big game on the rink. But every hockey triumph reminds the past and how he - as Ojibwe - will never be entirely accepted. Eye-opening, powerful, and heart-wrenching, this story will hit hard, forcing you to confront your nation’s past and maybe your traumas or prejudices. Informative and educational, it is a moving story about the past and history so often forgotten or swept under the rug. This award-winning story also became a Canadian film starring Ajuawak Kapashesit as Saul Indian Horse. Jason Ryll narrates this beautifully told audiobook, bringing these stories to the forefront with an authentic and understanding voice.

What listeners say about Indian Horse

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A read that will empower you !

This book was amazing I was supposed to read it for an assignment for a course I am currently taking but honestly it opened me up to whole new light. And, reminded me to heal from so much. I would definitely recommend this book. It’s a lot to take in but if you listen closely. You’ll learn a thing or two !

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WOW! Enjoyable with each sentance

This book sheds light on the history of our native people and the circumstances they had to face in order to survive in a white man's country. I believe stories like this should be taught in our history classes in our public school systems.

I loved following Saul's story and how hockey became his saviour throughout his life. The way Richard Wagamese depicts such an iconic sport and shows it in a light I never knew before, allows me to fall in love with the sport and understand how it can impact a young boys life. I truly loved every second of this novel and cannot wait to read it again!

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Loved this one..

I can't say enough about this book. Gut-level story telling of the experience of the Residential School system and the horrific abuses that were part of daily life there. The real story of the Aboriginals in Canada. We need more folks to speak out this way until others stop denying our shared history.

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Brilliant, well written and incredible narration.

I’m so happy I heard this - narration was incredible and enhanced the experience and story. A must read for all adult Canadians.

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well written, touching, sad, inspirational

Very good story, well composed. Performance was fantastic. It has some hard to read moments though so be prepared.

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Riding the wave of trauma

This is excellent account of the narrator's journey to and from the residential school system. How he rises out of the muck through his singular focus on sport to gain respect and admiration, only to lose it again. Such a good story teller is Richard Wagamese.

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Reconciliation 101

Required reading for all of us. I cried. I laughed. I understand. I believe we can come together. Trust in ourselves to do this. Reconciliation is possible.

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great story

Well written, moving and enthralling story. highly recommend. I cried and couldn't stop reading. I learned a lot thru his tale.

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Beautifully written and better than the movie

His truth, most amazing in depth about how native lives were and is, love it

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amazing !!

honestly so good. i’m a university student doing an essay on this book and this helped so much. An amazing reader too!

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