Plot Summary
Birth Under Birchbark
In a birthing lodge built of birchbark and saplings, a baby girl named Waawaaskone is born into a small Anishinaabe community. The birth is both a celebration and a symbol of resilience, as the elders perform traditional ceremonies and bestow a name inspired by a vision of light and a rare flower. The event is a reminder of the community's survival after a catastrophic collapse of modern society, and the hope that new generations will lead them out of darkness.
New Village, Old Ways
The community, Shki-dnakiiwin, is a tight-knit group living off the land after the collapse of technology and infrastructure. Led by Evan Whitesky and his family, they fish, hunt, and garden, relying on ancestral knowledge and adapting to dwindling resources. The village is a testament to their ability to rebuild, but the strain on food supplies and the fading of old-world tools foreshadow challenges ahead.
Gathering for Survival
The birth of Waawaaskone is marked by a communal feast, but the joy is tempered by concerns about food scarcity and the sustainability of their settlement. Elders and hunters discuss the declining fish stocks and the need to move farther afield for game. The community's unity is strong, but the land's limits and the memory of past losses weigh heavily.
The Council's Dilemma
As the land's resources dwindle, the elders, led by Walter, convene a council to debate the future. Walter urges a return to their ancestral homeland by the great lake, warning that staying put will lead to starvation and imbalance with nature. The trauma of past failed expeditions and missing loved ones haunts the group, but the need for renewal and growth becomes undeniable.
The Journey South Begins
After much debate, a small group is selected to scout the route south: Evan, his daughter Nangohns, Tyler, Cal, Amber, and J.C. They are blessed in ceremony and equipped with what little they have—bows, a rifle, and a cache of old handguns from a violent episode in their past. The community's hopes rest on their shoulders as they leave to find a new beginning.
Ghosts of the Old Reserve
The walkers pass through their abandoned old reserve, now overtaken by nature and memories. They scavenge for supplies and reflect on the violence and loss that marked the early days after the blackout. The landscape is both a graveyard and a reminder of their resilience, but also a warning of what stagnation brings.
River Stories and Warnings
As they follow the river south, the group faces swollen waters and treacherous terrain. J.C. shares stories of ancestors who learned to respect the land's dangers. The journey is physically demanding, but also a spiritual passage, as they rely on each other and the teachings of those who came before.
Into Zhaawnong's Wilds
The group navigates lakes, storms, and the ever-present threat of hunger. Strange noises at night and a bear raid on their camp heighten their anxiety. The land is abundant yet unpredictable, and the walkers' skills and trust in one another are tested as they draw closer to the world below.
City of the Dead
Arriving at the city of Gibson, they find it abandoned, overgrown, and stripped of life. Messages scrawled on city hall walls speak of desperation and loss. The group is shaken by the scale of death and the evidence of violence, but also by the absence of birds and scavengers—a sign that the city has been dead for a long time.
The Map of Red Zones
In Gibson, they discover a map marked with "dead land" and "do not enter" zones, evidence of radiation and sickness from failed power plants. The realization that vast areas are uninhabitable deepens their sense of isolation, but also clarifies the urgency of finding a safe homeland.
The Bear and the Gun
After a bear steals their supplies, the group debates the use of guns and the spirit they bring. The weapons are both protection and a reminder of past violence. The tension between traditional ways and the necessity of force becomes a recurring theme as they move deeper into unknown territory.
Choosing the Walkers
Nangohns asserts her place as a leader, challenging her parents' fears and the community's expectations. The group's composition reflects both tradition and change, as young and old, men and women, and those with different skills are all needed for survival. The journey becomes a rite of passage for Nangohns and her peers.
Losses and Farewells
J.C. is gravely injured and, recognizing he will slow the group and endanger their mission, chooses to end his life. The group mourns and honors him with ceremony, reinforcing the importance of community, ritual, and the acceptance of loss as part of survival.
Saswin: The Hidden Camp
The group discovers Saswin, a hidden Anishinaabe camp led by Linda and Melissa, who have preserved language and culture. They learn of other survivors, the dangers of radiation, and the threat of white supremacist militias called the Disciples. Saswin offers hope, kinship, and a vision of a future built on tradition and adaptation.
The Disciples' Shadow
As the group moves south, they encounter the Disciples, a violent militia seeking to claim land and resources. Zhaabdiis, a red-haired Anishinaabe who infiltrated the Disciples to survive, defects and helps the group escape an ambush. The threat of violence and the legacy of colonialism are ever-present, but the group's unity and moral choices set them apart.
The Final Crossing
Nearing their destination, the group is ambushed again by Disciples. In a desperate fight, Zhaabdiis is killed, and Evan is gravely wounded. The intervention of two Anishinaabe brothers, Anakwad and Giizhik, saves the survivors. They are ferried across the water to the island of birch trees, their ancestral homeland.
The Island of Birch Trees
The group is welcomed by a thriving Anishinaabe community on the island, led by Ogimaa and Noodin. Evan is treated for his wounds, but his fate is uncertain. The island is a place of abundance, safety, and cultural continuity, offering the promise of a new beginning for the survivors and their people.
Evan's Last Dream
As Evan's life ebbs, he dreams of soaring over the water and islands, seeing his people thriving. Surrounded by loved ones, he dies peacefully, his journey complete. His death is mourned and honored, and his vision becomes a guiding light for the next generation.
Waawaaskone's New World
Years later, Waawaaskone, now a young girl, gathers blueberries with her grandmother Nicole on the island's shore. The community has resettled, blending old and new, and the trauma of the past is remembered but not defining. The cycle of life continues, rooted in land, language, and kinship, as the Anishinaabe people reclaim their place and future.
Characters
Evan Whitesky
Evan is the patriarch of his family and a central figure in the community's survival. Haunted by the violence and trauma of the collapse, he is pragmatic, compassionate, and deeply committed to his people. His leadership is marked by humility and a willingness to listen, but also by the weight of past failures and the fear of losing more loved ones. Evan's journey is one of acceptance—of change, mortality, and the need to trust the next generation. His death is both a personal tragedy and a symbolic passing of the torch.
Nangohns
Evan's daughter, Nangohns, is a skilled hunter and tracker, embodying the resilience and adaptability of her people. She is fiercely independent, yet deeply connected to family and tradition. Her psychological journey is one of claiming agency, challenging gender and generational expectations, and learning to lead with both strength and empathy. Nangohns's growth mirrors the community's transition from survival to renewal.
Tyler
Tyler is Evan's closest friend and a vital member of the group. His humor and warmth provide comfort, but he is also deeply affected by loss and the burden of survival. Tyler's loyalty is unwavering, and he often serves as a mediator and source of wisdom, especially for the younger members. His grief for lost friends and his support for Evan and Nangohns highlight the importance of chosen family.
Cal
Cal is a skilled hunter and close friend to Nangohns and Amber. He is driven by a desire to prove himself and honor his lost brother, Isaiah. Cal's impulsiveness sometimes leads to conflict, but his courage and loyalty are unquestionable. His journey is one of maturation, learning to balance action with reflection and to trust in the collective.
Amber
Amber is a young midwife and medicine person, apprenticed to the elders. She is nurturing, resourceful, and increasingly confident in her abilities. Amber's relationship with Cal and her role as a healer place her at the heart of the group's emotional life. She represents the continuity of knowledge and the importance of women's leadership in the community.
J.C.
J.C. is older than most of the walkers, respected for his knowledge of the land and stories. He is a bridge to the past, carrying the weight of memory and tradition. His injury and subsequent suicide are a profound loss, forcing the group to confront mortality and the limits of endurance. J.C.'s death is honored with ceremony, reinforcing the community's values.
Zhaabdiis (John)
Zhaabdiis is a red-haired Anishinaabe who has survived by passing as white and infiltrating the Disciples. His presence forces the group to grapple with issues of trust, identity, and complicity. Zhaabdiis is haunted by shame and longing for belonging, and his ultimate sacrifice in saving the group is both redemptive and tragic.
Linda (Diindiisiikwe)
Linda leads the hidden camp of Saswin, preserving language and tradition. She is wise, nurturing, and pragmatic, offering both refuge and challenge to the walkers. Linda's dreams and teachings shape the group's understanding of their journey and the broader struggle for Indigenous survival and renewal.
Anakwad and Giizhik
The brothers from the island are skilled, silent, and deeply connected to the land. They embody the ideal of Indigenous resilience and adaptability, intervening at critical moments to save the group and guide them home. Their presence is both reassuring and a reminder of the broader network of kinship and solidarity.
Waawaaskone
Born at the novel's opening, Waawaaskone grows into a young girl by the epilogue. She represents the future, the continuity of culture, and the possibility of healing. Her coming-of-age ceremony and her relationship with her grandmother Nicole anchor the story's final vision of survival and flourishing.
Plot Devices
Intergenerational Narrative Structure
The novel is structured to show the cyclical nature of Indigenous survival, with the birth of Waawaaskone at the beginning and her coming-of-age at the end. The journey south is both a literal and metaphorical return to ancestral homelands, and the narrative is punctuated by ceremonies, dreams, and oral storytelling that connect characters across time.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
The use of dreams (such as the naming vision for Waawaaskone and Evan's final dream) and natural symbols (birch trees, rivers, animals) foreshadow key events and reinforce the spiritual dimension of the journey. The recurring motif of the birch tree marks the path home and the possibility of renewal.
Post-Apocalyptic World-Building
The setting is a world where modern infrastructure has failed, and Indigenous knowledge becomes the key to survival. The contrast between the ruins of cities and the thriving hidden camps highlights the resilience of traditional ways. The presence of external threats (militias, radiation, scarcity) raises the stakes and tests the group's values.
Moral Dilemmas and Survival Ethics
The group must navigate the use of guns, the temptation to abandon or sacrifice members, and the challenge of trusting outsiders like Zhaabdiis. These dilemmas are resolved through ceremony, dialogue, and collective decision-making, emphasizing the importance of community over individualism.
Language and Ceremony
The use of language, songs, and ceremonies is central to the characters' psychological resilience and sense of belonging. The sweat lodge, feasts, and naming rituals are not just cultural details but essential plot devices that mark transitions, heal trauma, and affirm continuity.
Analysis
Moon of the Turning Leaves is a profound meditation on Indigenous survival, adaptation, and the reclamation of land and culture in the aftermath of societal collapse. Waubgeshig Rice crafts a narrative that is both a gripping survival story and a deeply spiritual journey, centering Anishinaabe values of kinship, ceremony, and respect for the land. The novel interrogates the legacy of colonial violence—embodied by the Disciples and the poisoned "dead lands"—while offering a vision of hope rooted in intergenerational narrative structure and the renewal of tradition. The psychological depth of the characters, especially in their moments of loss, leadership, and moral dilemmas, invites readers to reflect on what it means to build a future from the ashes of the past. Ultimately, the story is a call to remember, to adapt, and to walk forward together, guided by the wisdom of ancestors and the promise of new life, as embodied by Waawaaskone.
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FAQ
Synopsis & Basic Details
What is Moon of the Turning Leaves about?
- Journey to ancestral lands: The story follows a small group from a remote Anishinaabe community, Shki-dnakiiwin, who embark on a perilous journey south after realizing their current land's resources are dwindling, seeking their ancestral homeland by the Great Lakes.
- Survival in a post-collapse world: Set over a decade after a global blackout, the narrative explores how the community has adapted using traditional knowledge, facing challenges like food scarcity, the decay of old-world infrastructure, and the lingering dangers of a collapsed society.
- Hope for the next generation: Driven by the need to secure a future for their children, symbolized by the newborn Waawaaskone, the expedition seeks not just survival but a place where their people can thrive, reconnecting with their history and potentially other survivors.
Why should I read Moon of the Turning Leaves?
- Deep dive into Indigenous resilience: The novel offers a powerful portrayal of Anishinaabe culture, language, and traditional knowledge as essential tools for survival and rebuilding in a post-apocalyptic world, providing a unique perspective on collapse narratives.
- Compelling character journeys: Readers will connect with the complex emotional and psychological arcs of characters like Evan, Nangohns, and Zhaabdiis as they grapple with trauma, leadership, identity, and the moral compromises required for survival.
- Exploration of profound themes: The book delves into themes of environmental stewardship, the legacy of colonialism, intergenerational trauma and healing, the meaning of home, and the enduring power of kinship and community in the face of overwhelming loss.
What is the background of Moon of the Turning Leaves?
- Sequel to Moon of the Crusted Snow: The story continues the narrative established in the previous novel, depicting the long-term consequences of the blackout and the community's decision to leave their original reserve.
- Post-apocalyptic setting: The world is one where modern technology has failed, infrastructure has crumbled, and nature is reclaiming abandoned human spaces, forcing survivors to rely on pre-industrial skills and knowledge.
- Anishinaabe cultural context: The narrative is deeply rooted in Anishinaabe language (Anishinaabemowin), traditions, ceremonies (birth rites, naming, sweat lodge, funeral rites), and worldview, emphasizing respect for the land and interconnectedness.
What are the most memorable quotes in Moon of the Turning Leaves?
- "That god died a long time ago.": Linda's blunt statement about the abandonment of Christian faith in the face of the apocalypse highlights a thematic rejection of imposed colonial structures and a return to traditional spiritual beliefs as a source of strength and meaning.
- "These are my people.": Zhaabdiis's defiant declaration to the Disciple sergeant, moments before his death, encapsulates his journey from survival-driven assimilation to a final, redemptive embrace of his Anishinaabe identity and kinship with the walkers.
- "We'll always be here.": Nicole's final words, spoken in Anishinaabemowin and English to her granddaughter Waawaaskone on the island shore, serve as the novel's powerful closing statement, affirming the enduring presence and resilience of the Anishinaabe people despite immense loss and displacement.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Waubgeshig Rice use?
- Sensory and evocative prose: Rice employs rich descriptions of the natural world, focusing on sounds (lapping water, rustling leaves, gunshots), smells (cedar, woodsmoke, spoor, decay), and tactile sensations (mud, sand, cold water, rough bark) to immerse the reader in the post-collapse environment.
- Alternating perspectives and focus: While primarily following Evan and Nangohns, the narrative occasionally shifts focus or provides insights from other walkers (J.C.'s story, Zhaabdiis's account) and new characters (Linda, Anakwad, Giizhik), broadening the scope of survival experiences and knowledge.
- Integration of Anishinaabemowin: The strategic use of Anishinaabe words and phrases, often translated or explained through context, reinforces the cultural authenticity and thematic importance of language preservation and revitalization in the community's identity and future.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- The missing birds in Gibson: Nangohns's observation that there are "no birds flying around. No vultures, no gulls, no crows, no nothing. There's nothing for them to eat. They're the ones that eat the dead things. There are no dead things here" subtly reveals the city's long-dead state and the thoroughness of the collapse, suggesting a level of decay or toxicity that even scavengers avoid.
- The specific plants mentioned: The focus on plants like sumac, dogwood bark, hemlock bark, blueberries, and wild rice highlights the practical application of traditional plant knowledge for food and medicine in the post-collapse world, contrasting with the uselessness of abandoned modern amenities.
- The state of the old reserve buildings: Descriptions of trees bursting through foundations, yards covered in saplings, and rusted, permanent cars emphasize nature's rapid reclamation of human spaces, symbolizing the impermanence of the old world and the power of the land to heal and regenerate.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- J.C.'s story of the river drowning: J.C.'s recounting of his great-uncle drowning in the river due to underestimating its power subtly foreshadows his own death near water, highlighting the theme of nature's unforgiving power and the importance of respect, even for those with deep traditional knowledge.
- Evan's recurring injury: The callback to Evan being shot during the first winter's violence (mentioned by Cal and later by Evan himself) foreshadows his being shot again near the end of the journey, suggesting that the dangers of the past are not truly left behind but can resurface in the present.
- Isaiah's phone and shirt as markers: The discovery of Isaiah's specific, recognizable items (the phone with the Maple Leafs logo, Evan's red nylon shirt) left as trail markers is a poignant callback to the lost scouts, confirming their passage and intentionality, and serving as a breadcrumb trail leading the new expedition to Saswin.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- Zhaabdiis's connection to Baawaating: Zhaabdiis mentioning he grew up in the city near Baawaating, where Linda is from, creates an unexpected link between the seemingly disparate communities and individuals, hinting at a broader network of Anishinaabe people dispersed by the collapse but potentially connected by shared origins.
- Anakwad and Giizhik knowing Linda's community: The brothers from the island being aware of Linda's community at Saswin ("Our friends told us about some stragglers that passed through this way a while back") reveals a hidden network of communication and mutual awareness among surviving Anishinaabe groups, suggesting a level of organized survival beyond isolated camps.
- Holden's connection to Saswin: Holden's casual mention of having "cleared 'em out" at the settlement with the turbines, which turns out to be Saswin, is a chilling and unexpected connection, revealing the immediate danger the walkers narrowly avoided and highlighting the Disciples' brutal efficiency in eliminating potential rivals.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Walter: As the elder who initiates the journey south based on his vision and understanding of the land's limits, Walter represents the wisdom of the older generation and the crucial role of traditional knowledge in guiding the community's major decisions for survival and renewal.
- Linda (Diindiisiikwe): The leader of Saswin, Linda embodies resilience, cultural preservation, and pragmatic leadership. Her community provides the walkers with vital information, resources, and a vision of hope, demonstrating that thriving Anishinaabe communities exist and are actively planning for the future.
- Anakwad and Giizhik: These brothers from the island serve as protectors and guides, appearing at critical moments to save the walkers and lead them to their destination. They represent the strength and self-sufficiency of the island community and the enduring bonds of kinship among Anishinaabe people.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Evan's need for redemption: Beyond providing for his people, Evan is subtly driven by a need to atone for the losses and failures of the first winter, particularly the violence involving Justin Scott and the disappearance of his brother Cam, making him determined to lead this expedition successfully and protect his family.
- Nangohns's quest for understanding: Nangohns's insistence on joining the journey is fueled by a deep-seated need to understand the "Jibwaa" world her parents rarely speak of and the trauma they carry, seeking to bridge the gap between her lived experience and the hidden history of her people's survival.
- Zhaabdiis's search for belonging: Zhaabdiis's defection from the Disciples and desperate plea to join the walkers is motivated by profound loneliness and a yearning to reconnect with his Anishinaabe identity and find acceptance among his own people after years of living a lie.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Evan's trauma and burden: Evan carries the psychological weight of leadership and past trauma, evident in his moments of hesitation, his protectiveness of Nangohns, and his struggle to reconcile the violence he witnessed and participated in with the values he seeks to uphold.
- Nangohns's coming-of-age amidst chaos: Nangohns navigates adolescence and young adulthood in a world defined by collapse, developing remarkable resilience and self-reliance, but also grappling with the emotional distance created by her parents' protective silence about the past.
- Zhaabdiis's moral compromise: Zhaabdiis survival required him to hide his identity and align with a violent, racist group, creating deep internal conflict and shame that he must confront and attempt to reconcile through his actions and confession to the walkers.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Nangohns confronting her parents: Nangohns's impassioned speech to her family, demanding to be included in the expedition and criticizing their silence about the past, marks a significant emotional turning point, asserting her agency and forcing her parents to acknowledge her maturity and the needs of the younger generation.
- J.C.'s decision and farewell: J.C.'s calm acceptance of his fate and his final conversation with Evan, where he articulates his wishes and expresses love, is a deeply emotional turning point, highlighting the profound bonds of friendship and the difficult choices sometimes required for the group's survival.
- The ambush and Evan's shooting: The violent confrontation with the Disciples and Evan's injury is a brutal emotional shock, forcing the group to confront the immediate, deadly threat of the outside world and highlighting the sacrifices made to reach their destination.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Evan and Nangohns's partnership: Their relationship transforms from father-daughter to one of mutual respect and partnership, as Evan comes to rely on Nangohns's skills and insights, and she steps into a leadership role, demonstrating the strength of intergenerational collaboration.
- The walkers' collective bond: The shared hardships, losses (J.C.'s death), and triumphs (finding Saswin, surviving the ambush) forge a deep, unspoken bond among the five original walkers, creating a unit based on trust, mutual support, and shared purpose.
- The integration of Zhaabdiis: The dynamic shifts with Zhaabdiis's arrival, moving from suspicion and interrogation to cautious acceptance and eventual trust, illustrating the complexities of extending kinship to outsiders in a dangerous world and the possibility of redemption.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- The ultimate fate of the Disciples: While the immediate threat is neutralized, the story leaves open the question of the Disciples' broader network and whether the fleeing member will lead others to the island, suggesting that the threat of external violence is ongoing.
- The full extent of the "dead lands": The map in Gibson and Linda's description hint at widespread contamination, but the precise boundaries and long-term effects of the radiation remain unclear, leaving the possibility that other areas might be affected or that the contamination could spread.
- The future of the island community's relationship with the mainland: While the island offers safety, the need for resources and the potential for contact with other groups (both peaceful and hostile) suggest that the community's isolation may not be permanent, leaving their future interactions with the outside world open to question.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Moon of the Turning Leaves?
- J.C.'s suicide: J.C.'s decision to end his life to avoid burdening the group is a controversial moment, prompting debate about individual autonomy, the ethics of sacrifice, and whether the group should have prioritized his life over the mission's timeline.
- The killing of the Disciples: The violent confrontation and killing of the Disciple ambushers, particularly Zhaabdiis's actions and the subsequent brutality, raise questions about the necessity and morality of lethal force in self-preservation, and whether the survivors are perpetuating a cycle of violence.
- Zhaabdiis's past actions and trustworthiness: Zhaabdiis's confession about infiltrating the Disciples and lying about his identity sparks debate among the walkers and readers about whether he can be fully trusted, highlighting the moral compromises made for survival and the difficulty of judging others in extreme circumstances.
Moon of the Turning Leaves Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Evan's death and legacy: Evan dies from his gunshot wound shortly after reaching the island, surrounded by his daughter and new kin. His death, though tragic, is portrayed as a completion of his journey and a final sacrifice that ensures his people reach their ancestral home. His last dream of the islands and thriving Anishinaabek symbolizes the successful renewal he helped achieve, passing the torch to the next generation.
- Arrival at the ancestral homeland: The walkers reach the island on the north shore of the big lake, Wiigwaaswaatigoong, finding a thriving, welcoming Anishinaabe community. This signifies a successful return to their origins, a physical and spiritual homecoming that offers safety, abundance, and the possibility of rebuilding their community in a place deeply connected to their identity.
- Waawaaskone's future: The epilogue, set years later, shows Waawaaskone, now a young girl, participating in a coming-of-age ceremony on the island shore. Her presence and connection to the land and language, alongside her grandmother Nicole, represent the continuity of life, the healing of past trauma, and the enduring strength and future of the Anishinaabe people in their reclaimed homeland.
Review Summary
Moon of the Turning Leaves is a highly anticipated sequel set 12 years after the events of Moon of the Crusted Snow. Readers praise Rice's atmospheric storytelling, character development, and exploration of Indigenous culture and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel follows a group of Anishinaabe as they journey south to find a new home. While some found the pacing slow, many appreciated the unique perspective and emotional depth. The book's ending left readers both heartbroken and hopeful, solidifying the duology as a favorite in Indigenous and post-apocalyptic fiction.
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