Firekeeper’s Daughter- Angelina Boulley

The Firekeeper’s Daughter tells the story of eighteen year old Daunis Firekeeper, an extremely intelligent young woman on the path to college with her best friend, Lily, by her side. Life is difficult enough as this child of scandal navigates life as a biracial tribal member looking to find where she truly belongs. Daunis is thrown the most heart-wrenching curveball when she witnesses an inconceivable, iniquitous murder. She finds herself swept up in an FBI case that may provide answers to this murder and closure to their loved ones. With her knowledge of traditional medicine and chemistry, Daunis goes undercover to unveil the secrets of a newly developed lethal drug making its way throughout her community. To her despair, she is shocked to discover this case hits very close to home.

Can Daunis protect her community from the devastating circumstances that are poisoning her home and its people?

The Firekeeper’s Daughter goes beyond a YA novel. The lessons and sentiments in this story will touch all generations and walks of life. This story is rich in the culture and traditions of the Anishinaabe. In her debut novel, Boulley thoughtfully describes Indigenous rituals and language, making this an extremely educational and informative read.

It is a complex story of community, love, friendship, and coming into womanhood laced with betrayal, crime, and injustice. There are so many layers I would like to discuss and will most likely make a blog post in the near future. For now, I’ll end by telling you how incredibly moving this story was and that it is one I hope many will visit.

TW- murder, sexual assault, drugs