By Carolina Moriello
“But you know, taking care of someone else means that you need to take care of yourself.”
Twenty years ago, Chibenashi’s life was forever changed. His mother was killed at the hands of his father, who was then sentenced to a lifetime in jail, a punishment rarely used by the Anishinaabe people. Chibenashi finds himself responsible for his younger sister, Ashwiyaa, who was left scarred and traumatized by the murder. He has dedicated his entire adult life to working as a Peace Keeper in his village of Baawitigong and caring for his sister, making sure her needs are put above his own. However, on the evening of the Manoomin festival, another murder occurs in their village—a murder eerily similar to his mother’s. Chibenashi dedicates his time and efforts to solving this case and finding the murderer. What ensues is a tale of discovery and the realization that perhaps Chibenashi’s entire life has been a lie.
From the first page to the last you cannot help but feel for Chibenashi. His life has been dedicated to protecting others and casting aside his own wants and needs. He is a sad and broken man who deserves more. I couldn’t help but feel like his sister was weighing him down. Her dependency on him to care for her and be available to her at any moment was frustrating. However, as the primary support person for her debilitating anxiety and the person who shares her trauma, Chibenashi is unwilling to break this dependency.
This novel was not only interesting and entertaining to read because it was a mystery, but it was also fascinating because it took place in a fictional North America that was never colonized, a world where Indigenous nations developed and the Anishinaabe culture prevailed. Author B. L. Blanchard is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and did an excellent job at creating an authentic setting and incorporating traditions that served the plot well. This alternative history backdrop was the reason why I chose this book. The mystery was an added bonus! However, when it comes to the mystery aspect of the book, if you play close attention you can piece together who the murderer is. Attention to detail is key to solving this murder.
The Peace Keeper is B. L. Blanchard’s debut novel, and the first installment of The Good Lands series. I look forward to reading the rest of this series in the future.
Thank you to Wunderkind PR for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!