There is a lot going on in Tanya Talaga's The Knowing. Unfortunately, I think there is too much going on. This book follows multiple stories but is somewhat centered on the author's search for more information on her great-great grandmother Annie. There is some memoir, some history, and some journalism all mixed together which is where the problems start.

I should take a moment to point out that I am a stickler for genres and some overarching rules about them which are not globally agreed upon. For example, when I am reading a story by a journalist or historian, I expect the author to be able to back everything up with facts and viewpoints from solid primary sources. The author's perception of events should be minimized as much as possible. To use an old adage, "just the facts." On the other hand, for a memoir, I am much more open to interpretation, faulty memories, and the unleashing of feelings with colorful and sometimes over the top language. For the rest of this review, please keep this in mind. If you aren't bothered by some genre blending, then you may wholeheartedly disagree with me.

The mixing of the genres is my problem with the overall narrative. Talaga the journalist/historian presents some enraging and heartbreaking statistics. When she is in journalism/historian mode, the sheer injustice of what was done to the Indigenous people of the text. Talaga doesn't even need to explain many of these numbers, such as the percent of children in the foster care system who are Indigenous. Admittedly, some historical sections seem misplaced, but if the book was just this then I'd have enjoyed it much more.

Unfortunately, dropping memoir sections in here causes a myriad of problems. First, Talaga the memoirist will make sweeping pronouncements which are not based in facts and are pure conjecture or even excessive exaggeration. Second, the tonal whiplash means you never know what style you are getting from page to page. Again, if the book were entirely memoir, I could have gotten on board. She has a visceral and righteous anger that she vents in these sections, and they would hit home much better the narrative didn't quickly switch to a history of Canada with far flung and tenuous connections to her family.

There is a tremendous amount of important information and excellent work by Talaga within this book. The mixture of too many ideas ultimately sinks the overall narrative, though.

(This book was provided an an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing.)

The Knowing by Tanya Talaga is a deeply moving and meticulously researched work that powerfully counters residential school denialism. Centered on Annie’s story, it’s both heartbreaking and urgent, showcasing Talaga at her finest. A must-read for all Canadians, it captures a truth that demands to be heard.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!