Home Waltz

By (author): G.A. Grisenthwaite

In 1973, fifteen-year old Qʷóqʷésk?i?, or “Squito” Bob, is a mixed-blood N?e?kepmx boy trying to find his place in a small, mostly Native town. His closest friends are three n?e?kepmx boys and a white kid, an obnoxious runt who thinks himself superior to his friends. Accepted as neither Native nor white, Squito often feels like the stray dog of the group and envisions a short, disastrous life for himself. Home Waltz follows the boys over thirty-six hours on what should be one of the best weekends of their lives. With a senior girls volleyball tournament in town, Squito’s favourite band performing, and enough alcohol for ten people, the boys dream of girls, dancing and possibly romance. A story of love, heartbreak and tragedy, Home Waltz delves into suicide, alcohol abuse, body image insecurities, and systemic racism. A coming of age story like no other, Home Waltz speaks to the indigenous experience of growing up in a world that doesn’t want or trust you.

AUTHOR

G.A. Grisenthwaite

G.A. Grisenthwaite is a Nlaka’pamux writer and a member of the Lytton First Nation. His debut novel, Home Waltz, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Grisenthwaite lives in Kingsville, Ontario.


Reviews

In 1973, fifteen-year old Q?óq?ésk?i?, or “Squito” Bob, is a mixed-blood N?e?kepmx boy trying to find his place in a small, mostly Native town. His closest friends are three N?e?kepmx boys and a white kid, an obnoxious runt who thinks himself superior to his friends. Accepted as neither Native nor white, Squito often feels like the stray dog of the group and envisions a short, disastrous life for himself. Home Waltz follows the boys over thirty-six hours on what should be one of the best weekends of their lives. With a senior girls volleyball tournament in town, Squito’s favourite band performing, and enough alcohol for ten people, the boys dream of girls, dancing and possibly romance. A story of love, heartbreak and tragedy, Home Waltz delves into suicide, alcohol abuse, body image insecurities, and systemic racism. A coming-of-age story like no other, Home Waltz speaks to the Indigenous experience of growing up in a world that doesn’t want or trust you.

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Details

Dimensions:

304 Pages

390.00gr.73in5.25in * 8.25in

Published:

September 01, 2020

Publisher:

Palimpsest Press

ISBN:

9781989287644

Book Subjects:

FICTION / Indigenous / General

Language:

01

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