Book review: Bad Cree, facing grief

Bad Cree is a story that explores the experience of grief, and the loss of a loved one with the care and respect that such themes deserve. Filled with haunting visuals and excellent moments of tension, mixed together with quiet scenes of tender emotion, this book is a tense yet heartfelt novel which is more than worth a read.

Bad Cree follows a young woman named Mackenzie who moved from her small town home in Alberta Canada to Vancouver, in an attempt to escape the traumatic death of a loved one. A few years later Mackenzie begins to experience vivid dreams of her sister that seem to follow her into the waking world. Desperate for answers and a goodnights sleep she returns home to the family she left behind.

Bad Cree is an extremely personal story to me. When I first read it I had recently experienced the loss of a close friend, and found myself quickly connected to the grief felt by Bad Cree’s cast of characters. Each of the characters feels intensely human, and through their actions the book explores how grief effects each of them throughout their lives. 

Mackenzie is flawed but relatable character. She often chooses to run from her grief and isolate herself from those around her, causing her to make bad decisions that hurt not just herself but the ones she loves. Bad Cree forces Mackenzie to confront how her actions can hurt those around her and encourages her growth as a character. Every choice Mackenzie made through the story felt true to her character and watching her grow was a rewarding experience.

This book is filled with feelings of familial love, connection and community. Grief touches everyone, not just the loss of loved ones, but the grief felt towards the way indigenous communities have been treated in Canada. Throughout the book we see how Oil companies have taken from the land with no care for the people living in High Prairie. The grief of losing a loved one is mirrored in the grief of losing so much of their home to Oil Companies. Yet it's through a beautiful and strong sense of community that the characters of Bad Cree are able to push through.

Bad Cree is an excellent book that explores its themes beautifully. With a cast of authentic and well written characters, it is easy to become connected to their struggles, and their grief. Filled with dozens of memorable and touching moments, I would encourage any lover of horror to give this one a try.