68 pages 2 hours read

Tomson Highway

Kiss of the Fur Queen

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway follows Cree brothers Jeremiah and Gabriel Okimasis from their idyllic northern Manitoba childhood, through the traumatic experiences of abuse at a Christian residential school, and into their adult lives where they reclaim their identities through music and dance, incorporating elements of Cree storytelling and cosmology. The book depicts child abuse, violence, and sexual violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway masterfully combines Cree mythology with a poignant narrative about cultural survival and personal identity. Readers praise its lyrical prose and rich character development. Some find its nonlinear structure challenging, potentially hindering the flow for less patient readers. Nonetheless, the novel remains powerful and evocative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kiss of the Fur Queen?

Readers who appreciate Kiss of the Fur Queen by Tomson Highway are often drawn to poignant narratives about Indigenous experiences, cultural identity, and resilience. Similar to Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine, this novel appeals to those interested in rich, character-driven stories that explore the complexities of heritage and survival.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Historical Fiction

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Animals

Love / Sexuality

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness

Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger