May Women's Book Club Update
- Huron Superior Métis Community
- May 21
- 2 min read
Another meaningful gathering of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council Women’s Book Club brought members together to share in thoughtful discussion and connection. This month’s read, Starlight by Richard Wagamese, inspired reflection on themes of healing, relationships, and personal growth. Looking ahead, the group is excited to begin Finding Flora by Elinor Florence, continuing to build community and connection through shared reading experiences.
"Starlight by Richard Wagamese (Ojibwe from the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in Northwestern Ontario) is the story of Frank Starlight who has long settled into a quiet life working his remote farm, but his contemplative existence comes to an abrupt end with the arrival of Emmy, who has committed a desperate act so she and her child can escape a harrowing life of violence. Starlight takes in Emmy and her daughter to help them get back on their feet, and this accidental family eventually grows into a real one. But Emmy's abusive ex isn't content to just let her go. He wants revenge and is determined to hunt her down. Starlight was unfinished at the time of Richard Wagamese's passing, yet every page radiates with his masterful storytelling, intense humanism, and insights that are as hard-earned as they are beautiful. With astonishing scenes set in the rugged backcountry of the B.C. Interior, and characters whose scars cut deep even as their journey toward healing and forgiveness lifts us, Starlight is a gift to readers from a writer who believed in the power of stories to save us."
Members shared that the novel was a beautiful sequel to Medicine Walk, while also standing strongly on its own for new readers. Many said the story inspired them to go back and read Medicine Walk to better understand Frank’s journey with his father and the connection to Starlight’s character.
Club members reflected deeply on the themes of healing, land, and quiet strength throughout the novel. One member described it as “a good continuation of Starlight’s older life and how helpful he was for being a big quiet man,” while another shared, “love the connection to land and healing.” Members also spoke about the bittersweet nature of the book, as Starlight was Wagamese’s final novel and remained unfinished at the time of his passing. One reader noted, “Enjoyed the book, of course it would have been better if Richard was able to complete it, but as is life not everything is known to us.”
The novel clearly left a lasting impression on the group, with one enthusiastic member rating Starlight “six out of five stars,” sharing that “The author expressed emotions, feelings and moments with such detail, amazing book and author. A great sequel but you don’t need to read the first book to understand it.”
Overall our book club rated Starlight by Richard Wagamese 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 star rating.
