Kusugak, M. (2006). The curse of the shaman: a marble island story. Toronto, Ontario: HarperTrophyCanada.
Summary:
New parents, The-man-with-no-eyebrows and Can’t-see, venture to Bit-of-sand in search for a bride-to-be for their newborn, Wolverine. When The-man-with-no-eyebrows asks the shaman, Paaliaq, for his newborn daughter’s hand in marriage, Paaliaq becomes angry because The-man-with-no-eyebrows is able to calm his crying newborn, Breath. In spite, Paaliaq curses Wolverine, stating that not only will Wolverine never marry Breath, but he will also never set foot on the mainland again once he comes of age. As the two children grow, their friendship blossoms and Paaliaq takes back his curse. When Paaliaq’s animal SikSik refuses to listen to Paaliaq, can Wolverine break the curse?
Advisory Information:
-Themes:
a. Coming of Age: Wolverine must learn how to become independent before he can return to the mainland.
b. Belief in Animism: This is evident with the SikSik, the oral traditions as told by Wolverine’s Grandmother, and the owl named Ukpigjuaq that Wolverine helps save.
c. Forgiveness: Paaliaq learns to apologize for his curse, while Wolverine thinks nothing of it. He does not even begrudge his future father-in-law, feeling that he is beneath him.
d. Good vs. Evil: SikSik represents the bad, while Wolverine must overcome his attempts to keep him from the mainland; this is with the help of Ukpijuaq, of course.
e. Respect of traditions: Wolverine uses the stories he learned from his grandmother and the skills he learned from his father in order to survive on Marble Island.
-Age Recommendation:
I think that The Curse of the Shaman is suitable for 4th graders through 7th graders.
-Other Information:
Vladyana Krykorka completed the illustrations.
Reaction:
The Curse of the Shaman is a great introduction to traditional Inuit lifestyles. The novel reads like an oral tradition, weaving cultural beliefs and lifestyles effortlessly in its prose. Although I know little of traditional Inuit belief systems and culture, the author has created a novel that readers of all backgrounds can enjoy.
Summary:
New parents, The-man-with-no-eyebrows and Can’t-see, venture to Bit-of-sand in search for a bride-to-be for their newborn, Wolverine. When The-man-with-no-eyebrows asks the shaman, Paaliaq, for his newborn daughter’s hand in marriage, Paaliaq becomes angry because The-man-with-no-eyebrows is able to calm his crying newborn, Breath. In spite, Paaliaq curses Wolverine, stating that not only will Wolverine never marry Breath, but he will also never set foot on the mainland again once he comes of age. As the two children grow, their friendship blossoms and Paaliaq takes back his curse. When Paaliaq’s animal SikSik refuses to listen to Paaliaq, can Wolverine break the curse?
Advisory Information:
-Themes:
a. Coming of Age: Wolverine must learn how to become independent before he can return to the mainland.
b. Belief in Animism: This is evident with the SikSik, the oral traditions as told by Wolverine’s Grandmother, and the owl named Ukpigjuaq that Wolverine helps save.
c. Forgiveness: Paaliaq learns to apologize for his curse, while Wolverine thinks nothing of it. He does not even begrudge his future father-in-law, feeling that he is beneath him.
d. Good vs. Evil: SikSik represents the bad, while Wolverine must overcome his attempts to keep him from the mainland; this is with the help of Ukpijuaq, of course.
e. Respect of traditions: Wolverine uses the stories he learned from his grandmother and the skills he learned from his father in order to survive on Marble Island.
-Age Recommendation:
I think that The Curse of the Shaman is suitable for 4th graders through 7th graders.
-Other Information:
Vladyana Krykorka completed the illustrations.
Reaction:
The Curse of the Shaman is a great introduction to traditional Inuit lifestyles. The novel reads like an oral tradition, weaving cultural beliefs and lifestyles effortlessly in its prose. Although I know little of traditional Inuit belief systems and culture, the author has created a novel that readers of all backgrounds can enjoy.
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