Ravensong

The novel takes place in 1954, in two small Canadian villages in British Columbia, one largely populated by First Nations people and the other with a largely white Euro-Canadian population. == Characters ==

The protagonist of the novel is Stacey, a First Nations girl in her late teens who is attending a high school for non-native residents. Some other important characters include Stacey's sister Celia and brother Young Jim; Rena a "two-spirit" (lesbian) and her partner German Judy; and Madeline, a Saulteaux woman from Manitoba. The Raven is a crucial element in this novel; she represents a traditional Native Canadian trickster, inflicting sickness upon the people. She functions as a messenger of "cross-cultural communication" throughout the novel. (Eigenbrod 2005: 89). German and Madeline play an important role in helping to develop Stacey's perceptions of society. The characters form two ethnic communities which divide the population based on whether one is a native of Canada. == Narration ==

The novel is told from "several perspectives within the community". In the epilogue, the storytellers are presented as Stacey, Celia, and Rena. However, Stacey's perspective is the most relevant. == Themes ==

Sexual and ethnic discrimination Due to their sexual orientation, the two lesbian characters, German Judy and Rena, are being ostracized (Eigenbrod 2005: 93) by the Native community. The perception of nature by the younger members of the tribe is highly influenced by the older generations. All of their knowledge about the edible plants and their uses are inherited from the elders. This is evident in Stacey, who learns this art from her mother. Despite the presence of a romantic aspect in her adolescence, she does not yield to Steve's love for her. The ethnic differences between them is their main obstacle. Raven The Raven's function in the novel is primarily that of a trickster and transformer. His role is to bring both communities, the Native Canadian villagers and the inhabitants of Maillardville, together, and encourage a deeper mutual understanding between them. The means to achieve that is by a sickness that Raven sent to both the communities. The trickster figure of the Raven impacts not only the whole groups but also the lives of individuals which is something the young members of the tribe must themselves discover. == References ==