Synopsis
Set in northwestern Ontario in the 1960s, Silent Words tells the story of a young Native boy and his journey of self-discovery. Danny's life is a daily struggle for survival. He runs away from his violent and abusive home and, on his own, finds his way through a series of Native communities along the CN mainline. Various people take the boy in for a time, including a family with other children, an elderly couple, a boy and his father, a young bachelor, and a wise old man. Through his travels and encounters, Danny learns about himself and the world he lives in.
Silent Words offers an intimate view of Native Communities and their values: being non-judgemental, open and accepting, sharing with others, and respecting elders. Danny starts his journey without an understanding of his Native background thus allowing readers to experience and learn with him as he undertakes his quest for self-knowledge.
The language in this novel is simple and accessible, and yet richly evocative of the flavour of northern Native life. Ruby Slipperjack writes with great sensitivity about the people and places she knows, and it is her unique storytelling ability that provides the power and insight in this novel.
She says, "I have been to all the places I write about. I know the smell, feel, and texture of the earth I walk on. I belong to it."
In this book, she shows a remarkable ability to convey with English words the subtle forms of non-verbal communication, the implied meanings, the silent words, that are an integral part of Native expression.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Ruby Slipperjack was born and raised at her father's trapline at Whitewater Lake in northwestern Ontario. She is a member of the Eabametoong First Nation and speaks fluent Ojibway. She uses her maiden name "Slipperjack" when she writes, in honour of her parents and ancestors for the cultural knowledge and teachings that inform her writing. Ruby is the mother of three daughters and currently lives in Thunder Bay with her husband and their two shelties.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Search results for Silent Words
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Silent Words
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0920079938I5N00
Seller Image
Silent Words: A Novel
Published by
Fifth House Publishers, 1992
ISBN 10: 0920079938
ISBN 13: 9780920079935
Used
Soft cover
Seller: Pensees Bookshop, Charleston, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. Nice bright, crisp and square copy that does not appear to have been used. Seller Inventory # 044992
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Silent Words: A Novel
Seller: Mad Hatter, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good+. Tight and unmarked-" Set in northwestern Ontario in the 1960s, Silent Words tells the story of a young Native boy and his journey of self-discovery. Danny's life is a daily struggle for survival. He runs away from his violent and abusive home and, on his own, finds his way through a series of Native communities along the CN mainline. Various people take the boy in for a time, including a family with other children, an elderly couple, a boy and his father, a young bachelor, and a wise old man. Through his travels and encounters, Danny learns about himself and the world he lives in.-Silent Words offer an intimate view of Native Communities and their values: being non-judgemental, open and accepting, sharing with others, and respecting elders. Danny starts his journey without an understanding of his Native background thus allowing readers to experience and learn with him as he undertakes his quest for self-knowledge.-The language in this novel is simple and accessible, and yet richly evocative of the flavor of northern Native life. Ruby Slipperjack writes with great sensitivity about the people and places she knows, and it is her unique storytelling ability that provides the power and insight in this novel.-She says, "I have been to all the places I write about. I know the smell, feel, and texture of the earth I walk on. I belong to it." In this book, she shows a remarkable ability to convey with English words the subtle forms of non-verbal communication, the implied meanings, the silent words, that are an integral part of Native expression.". Seller Inventory # 12936