Bad Cree by Jessica Johns: A Haunting and Powerful Journey into Indigenous Canadian Fiction
Jessica Johns' "Bad Cree" is a literary masterpiece that will no doubt leave a mark in Canadian fiction. This haunting tale of Mackenzie, a young Cree woman, elicits a sense of foreboding, melancholy, and a deep dive into indigenous perspectives. . Through a fusion of supernatural elements and classic horror tropes, Johns takes us on a journey that not only chills our bones but also opens our eyes to the intricate web of family, community, and the land that binds us all.
The story begins with Mackenzie living a solitary life in Vancouver, haunted by nightmarish visions of her sister Sabrina’s death. The vivid imagery of crows ominously following her, and a severed crow’s head materializing in her hand from her dreams, sends shivers down the reader’s spine at the top of the novel.
What sets "Bad Cree" apart is its deep-rooted connection to the land and the indigenous worldview. The supernatural forces at play are not your typical malevolent spirits; they are a reflection of the colonialist greed that has plagued Mackenzie’s community, leaving them with nothing. The land itself emerges as a character, and the hungry spirits are as natural as the setting itself. This narrative choice beautifully highlights the profound connection between indigenous people and their environment.
At its core, "Bad Cree" is a story of generational trauma and the resilience of families and communities. Mackenzie’s reluctance to return home after Sabrina’s death mirrors her attempt to evade the ugly truth, a truth that can only be faced through healing and reconciliation. As she reunites with her family, we witness the power of feminine connections and the importance of coming together to overcome trauma.
What struck me most was the interconnectivity threaded throughout the novel. The vivid dreams of Mackenzie, her auntie’s colorful dreamscapes, her mother’s visits from the deceased, and her cousin’s premonitions all create a rich tapestry of indigenous spirituality and folklore. As they delve deeper into their dreams and traditional Cree practices, the narrative takes us on a haunting journey filled with mystery and revelation.
But amidst the darkness, there is also light. The novel beautifully portrays the transformation of the menacing crows into guiding and protective forces. These powerful symbols of nature and the environment reflect the current conversations surrounding environmentalism and the reclamation of a balanced relationship with the land.
In "Bad Cree," Jessica Johns has not only crafted a chilling and suspenseful narrative but also a profound exploration of indigenous culture and spirituality. It's a story that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. If you're looking for a book that opens your eyes to indigenous Canadian fiction, I wholeheartedly recommend "Bad Cree." It's a literary gem that deserves a place on every bookshelf.
