The Wabeno Feast: A Novel : Book Review

"The Wabeno Feast" by Wayland Drew is a captivating and immersive novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the realm of Native American mythology and culture. Set against the picturesque backdrop of northern Michigan, the story explores the clash between modern society and traditional beliefs, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The protagonist of the story is Shawn, a young college student who finds himself working as a firefighter in the national forest during the summer. Unbeknownst to him, this job will lead him into a world of ancient legends and supernatural phenomena. As Shawn delves deeper into the Native American folklore of the region, he becomes embroiled in a battle between the forces of good and evil, forcing him to confront his own fears and discover his inner strength.

Wayland Drew's writing is both descriptive and evocative, painting vivid images of the natural surroundings and immersing readers in the rich traditions of the Ojibwe people. The incorporation of Ojibwe customs and rituals adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it a fascinating exploration of Native American culture.

One of the strengths of "The Wabeno Feast" lies in its well-developed characters. Shawn's transformation from a naive college student to a courageous hero is a captivating journey. The supporting characters, such as the wise elder Joe Moonfeather and the mysterious medicine woman Red Willow, bring added complexity and depth to the narrative.

In addition to its entertainment value, "The Wabeno Feast" also serves as an educational tool, offering readers insights into the customs, beliefs, and spirituality of the Ojibwe tradition. Wayland Drew's meticulous research is evident throughout the book, providing readers with a genuine understanding of Native American culture.

What are readers saying?

"The Wabeno Feast" by Wayland Drew has received a range of opinions from readers. On one hand, those who enjoyed the book praised its captivating combination of historical fiction and Native American mythology. They commended the author's well-researched incorporation of Native American characters and traditions, which provided an authentic cultural backdrop to the narrative. Moreover, these readers appreciated the poetic writing style, as it beautifully conveyed the mystical atmosphere of the story. Overall, they felt fully immersed in the world created by Drew and found the exploration of Native American beliefs and rituals to be engaging.

Conversely, some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace and lack of plot development in "The Wabeno Feast". They felt that the excessive attention to descriptions and character introspection resulted in a meandering storyline, failing to captivate them. Additionally, a few readers found the complex plot and numerous characters to be confusing, which diminished their overall enjoyment of the book.

Another criticism voiced by some readers was the use of magical realism in the story. While some found it intriguing and believed it added depth to the narrative, others found it confusing and disjointed. Additionally, a handful of readers mentioned that the prose was overly verbose and overly descriptive, leading to a somewhat tedious reading experience.

Despite the mixed reviews, "The Wabeno Feast" by Wayland Drew has managed to find an audience that appreciates its unique blend of historical fiction, Native American mythology, and magical realism. However, readers who were put off by the slow pace, lack of plot development, and verbose prose found these aspects to be drawbacks that hindered their enjoyment of the book.