54 pages • 1 hour read •
Empire of Wild
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Book Brief
298
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • Contemporary
2019
Penguin Random House
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline follows Métis woman Joan Beausoleil as she searches for her missing husband Victor, who she discovers has been possessed by a rogarou and is involved with a sinister Christian ministry. The novel draws from Indigenous mythology, exploring themes of transformation, colonialism, and family.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
12,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline are generally positive, highlighting its engrossing narrative and strong portrayal of indigenous culture and folklore. The novel's blend of suspense, romance, and mythology is appreciated, though some find its pacing uneven and certain plot points predictable. Overall, it is praised for its unique voice and cultural richness.
Who Should Read Empire of Wild?
Readers with an interest in indigenous culture, supernatural elements, and strong female protagonists will enjoy Cherie Dimaline's Empire of Wild. Fans of Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine and Neil Gaiman’s American Gods will appreciate this book's blend of folklore, mystery, and profound emotional depth.
12,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zeus
Zeus
A 12-year-old boy distantly related to Joan, who is emotionally close to her and gains confidence and purpose by assisting in her quest.
Thomas Heiser
Thomas Heiser
An apparently elegant and poised antagonist who employs manipulation and exploitation to hinder Joan's efforts, presenting a sinister and off-putting demeanor.
Empire of Wild draws inspiration from the Métis legend of the Rogarou, a werewolf-like creature from French-Canadian folklore that is known for its terrifying transformation and is often used as a cautionary tale.
The novel reflects on themes of community and identity, resonating with the author's Métis heritage and highlighting issues faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.
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Cherie Dimaline has received considerable acclaim for her work, with Empire of Wild being praised for its blend of horror and cultural storytelling, illustrating her talent in elevating Indigenous voices through literature.
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298
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • Contemporary
2019
Penguin Random House
Adult
18+ years
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