Book Review: A Grandmother Begins the Story by Michelle Porter

Rating: 4.5⭐️

A Grandmother Begins the Story by Michelle Porter is an evocative novel that will stay with you long after you have finished reading. A multigenerational family saga that follows five Métis women, whose distinct voices tell a poignant tale of generational trauma, neglect, abuse, loss, grief, broken relationships, resilience, identity and legacy. Interspersed throughout the narrative are the perspectives of canine friends and the story of a bison calf and her offspring both of which enrich the narrative, emphasizing the deep connection between all living beings, those we have lost and the world we inhabit.

Carter, a recently separated mother of one, is struggling to pick up the pieces when she hears from her maternal grandmother Lucie, whom she never met. Lucie requests her assistance to pass on to the Afterlife. Given up for adoption by her biological mother, Allie, with whom she has recently reconnected, Carter has a strained relationship with her adoptive mother and is intrigued by her grandmother’s request. We also meet the aging Genevieve, haunted by her memories and unable to let go of her deceased sibling in whose presence and influence she finds the strength to rebuild her life despite her failing health after a lifetime of loss and addiction. Mamé, observes all of her descendants from the Afterlife and strives to move on from her connections to the living world but knows that she also has a part to play to enable all these women to move on from the trauma they have individually endured and all that is holding them back from a brighter future.

“It’s not about me, not anymore. It’s not like that. Up here the stories are us and we are the stories, every single one of them. Took me a long time to make my way here and now it’s almost my turn to be the stories—or to tell the stories, as we used to say before we passed.”

Beautifully written and thought-provoking with a blend of lore and magical realism, this is an immersive, albeit slower-paced novel. Initially, the narrative might seem a tad disjointed, but the author deftly weaves the multiple threads of this story into a coherent narrative. Each of these characters and their stories will strike a chord in your heart. Please note that this is an emotionally heavy read touching upon several sensitive topics, including the death of a loved one, abuse, addiction and domestic violence, among others.

Overall, I found this novel to be a compelling read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to those who would be interested in character-driven indigenous fiction. This was my first time reading Michelle Porter, but it surely won't be my last.

Finally, that cover art deserves all the stars!

“But regret is worth nothing because you can’t be walking all the paths or you wouldn’t be walking any path at all."

Many thanks to Algonquin Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.