The Lesser Blessed
The Lesser Blessed
Book Brief
128
Novel • Fiction
Northwest Territories • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp tells the story of Larry Sole, a Dogrib teenager in Fort Simmer, grappling with trauma from his past, including a violent accident and inter-generational effects of the residential school system. Larry forms a transformative friendship with Métis rebel Johnny Beck, which exposes him to new experiences while exploring themes of memory, storytelling, and cultural identity. The book discusses topics such as substance misuse, child abuse, and violence.
Gritty
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,807 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp captivates readers with its raw and honest portrayal of Indigenous youth. Its poetic language and vivid imagery draw praise, but some find its graphic content challenging. The novel's exploration of identity and trauma resonates deeply, though the intense narrative may not suit all tastes. A compelling and thought-provoking read overall.
Who Should Read The Lesser Blessed?
A reader who would enjoy The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp is likely someone who appreciates raw, coming-of-age stories and Indigenous perspectives. Comparable to Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, this book will appeal to those interested in gritty, emotional narratives that explore cultural identity and personal growth.
1,807 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Lesser Blessed was adapted into a feature film in 2012, directed by Anita Doron and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Richard Van Camp wrote The Lesser Blessed as part of his creative writing master's thesis at the University of British Columbia.
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The novel is notable for its portrayal of a young Indigenous protagonist, highlighting themes of identity and resilience within the context of a contemporary northern Canadian community.
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128
Novel • Fiction
Northwest Territories • 1990s
1996
Adult
18+ years
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