Moon of the Crusted Snow: A Novel

In his sophomore novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, Indigenous author Waubgeshig Rice supplies a thoughtful analysis of life on the rez in a real-world dystopia. The people of an isolated First Nations community in northern Canada are preparing for a cold winter. At first annoyed when the reservation suddenly experiences a blackout, it eventually becomes clear that they must fight for their lives through the long winter without electricity or communication with outside groups. As the hazards slowly mount, the leaders of the Anishinaabe community struggle with deciding how to proceed. Despite their efforts to maintain order, a rumbling panic begins to ensue as food becomes scarce and an unwelcome guest from a disintegrating society from the south stirs up controversy.

With straightforward and spare writing, Rice brings to life a scenario that is frighteningly plausible. The most memorable elements of the novel are Rice’s honest depictions of human reactions and their interactions with one another; through a colorful cast of characters, he reveals the complex and multifaceted nature of humanity. Rice sprinkles Anishinaabe language throughout his book and tells of the community’s unique traditions. Moon of the Crusted Snow is a breathtaking, quiet thriller that shouldn’t be missed.