About book Stolen Life: Journey Of A Cree Woman (2000)
An often harsh, but apparently honest, reflective biography of Yvonne Johnson,a mixed Cree/Norwegian woman incarcerated for first degree murder. Well researched and guided by Rudy Wiebe, with moments of shear beauty found in some of Yvonne Johnson's writing, it is none-the-less an emotionally difficult read for anyone who has heart. Yet, it is still a must read for anyone who dare call themselves a human being. The reader is informed of the horrific dysfunction, severe abuse and trauma this woman has endured and is given insight into the rippling consequences of poverty, indifference, racism and ignorance: Violation. And in the case of the murder victim, brutal violation. A significant theme is Yvonne's own struggle to find her voice, both physically (due to cleft palate) and then in a spiritual, cognizant and empowered way. A reader may find in her struggle a larger analogy for the lack of voice and "heard voice" of First Nations peoples. It becomes clear that if one is disabled from their voice, from defending their personhood among the indifferent, this may become the root of violation through severe dysfunction, abuse, trauma.Thanks to the strength of Mistatim Muskwa's spirit, we are afforded a window to better understand through the voice of Yvonne.
This is perhaps the most difficult to get through book I have ever read. It is so heartbreaking, so hard hitting and so honest that I don't think I will ever be able to read it again. Not only does this book personalize the incredible social issues that Native Canadians are facing, it asks you as a reader to examine the culture you are part of. This book chronicles the life of a young Cree woman who is both perpetrator and victim. A girl trapped in abuse, a young woman perpetuating the cycle. Very moving.
Do You like book Stolen Life: Journey Of A Cree Woman (2000)?
I first read this book in a higher level English class in my undergraduate degree. We were studying life writing - with a focus on autobiography. With this book we spent a lot of time talking about the issues surrounding a white man working with an Indigenous woman to write her autobiography. We argued, we debated, we discussed.This time I just read the book. I wasn't looking to debate the issues or argue about point of view. And I was so moved. I got to stop worrying so much about the politics of Rudy and Yvonne - and instead just feel the life of Yvonne. This book is so moving. What a crazy life. Seriously, the effects of colonisation, even today, are serious and no apology from any leader can make them less so.
—Lisa Faye
It's been a while since I've read this book, when I was in high school, but I remember how much it affected me even then. This poor woman had everything possible holding her back from leading a normal, happy life, and she lived up to many of the clichés given to Aboriginal people. Being Cree myself and from the same province a lot of this book was based in, I was able to connect with Yvonne's story, though I'm happy to say that there's as far as our commonality went. It's a shame so many folks are born into a life of disadvantage. Good read.
—Emil Tiedemann
