Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline
Review by Teagan Berry, Library Assistant, Grand River Stanley Park Library
Imagine seeing your missing husband in a Walmart parking lot, only he doesn’t recognize you and to your surprise, he’s now a travelling Christian revival preacher.
This is the experience of Joan Beausoliel, a Métis woman living in a small Ontario community off the coast of the Georgian Bay. Joan has been searching for her husband, Victor, for almost a year.
After this startling encounter, Joan speaks with Ajean, a wise, elderly woman with knowledge of the old ways. Ajean tells Joan this is the work of the Rougarou, a wolf-like creature who terrorizes the local Métis communities.
Aided by her twelve-year-old nephew, Zeus, Joan travels across the Ontario landscape to track down Victor and remind him who he truly is. Along the way, she faces an adversary in Victor's church followers, including the cunning Cecile, and the unsettling Thomas Heiser.
This book touches on issues of colonialism, religion, and Métis culture. With just enough hints of the supernatural, it will keep a chill on your spine as you turn the pages. Strong characters, and a compelling plot, “Empire of Wild” is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, begging for more.