At times difficult to read in terms of both content and structure (I personally found the timelines extremely hard to follow), I would still recommend that readers give Probably Ruby a chance. Although fictional, this story is extremely timely and acknowledges the history and experiences of many Indigenous Canadians, both past and present. I hope to read another novel from Lisa Bird-Wilson in the future.

A beautiful book cover!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC.

Bird-Wilson is a Saskatchewan Metis author, and this is her second novel, her first being "Just Pretending". This story is told in a very jumbled timeline and features the character of Ruby who is searching for her indigenous identity. Ruby was adopted as a young child to "a less-than-desirable couple who can't afford to complain too loudly about Ruby's Indigenous roots". As a troubled young woman, she self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. Included are chapters about her birth mom and dad and other characters that play a role in her life. This is a complicated read, but still a wonderful recommendation for readers interested in Indigenous issues.

I am so happy with all the indigenous stories written by indigenous people that are being published these days.

Adopted as an infant, Ruby has been on a lifelong quest to find her biological family and establish a connection with her indigenous culture. From birth, Ruby has not had an easy life. From growing up with her mean-spirited adoptive parents to being in unhealthy relationships, and struggling with alcoholism and drug usage, Ruby slowly tries to reconnect with her culture and later, tries to instil these lessons into her own children.

This is mostly told from Ruby’s perspective, but there are a few chapters with different POVs. Each chapter focuses on a different part of Ruby’s life, and not always in chronological order. It was a little confusing at first, but less so as the novel progressed.

This novel accurately shows the effects of intergenerational trauma and what it’s like to be disconnected from one’s culture, people, and language. It also touches on the disastrous effects of residential schools (boarding schools in the US). These are all heavy topics, but hope and optimism shine through this beautiful book as well.

I loved the fact that Cree was interspersed throughout. I haven’t read very many books that have included it before. I myself know a depressingly small amount of Cree. Here are some Cree words found in this book:

Moshom - grandfather
Kohkum - grandmother
Astum - come
Kisciyiniw - old man

If you couldn’t already tell, I adored this novel and will immediately read anything else that Lisa Bird-Wilson chooses to write.

Thank you to Double Day Canada / Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions.