Reader's Diary #2240 - Norma Dunning: Tainna

There isn't a lot of fiction with Inuit characters, and certainly much less with Inuit characters who don't live in northern Canada. More important than filling a niche, however, Norma Dunning's stories in Tainna are really good.

They're also by and large depressing. Touching upon themes of colonialism, residential schools, sexual assault, alcoholism, and racism, this isn't unexpected. But there's some dark humour in the mix (which I'm always up for) and though my guard was up toward the end to not be optimistic for a happy ending, there are some that end on more positive, hopeful notes.