A Unique Literary Blend
“A Grandmother Begins the Story” by Métis author Michelle Porter is an intricate and beguiling debut, weaving together sparse, interlocking poetic fragments. This genre-blending book is deeply rooted in Métis storytelling, matrilineal knowledge, and spirituality. Porter’s expertise as a poet and nonfiction writer is on full display, constructing a narrative that feels more like a collection of tales shared by elders than a traditional, linear novel.
Diverse Character Perspectives
Porter’s novel follows several generations of Métis women as they navigate pivotal moments in their lives. Geneviéve (Gee), in her 80s, enters rehab for drinking while her great-granddaughter, Carter, meets her grandmother Lucie under the harrowing circumstance of dealing with Lucie’s suicidal intentions. Carter’s estranged birth mother, Allie, attempts reconciliation, often through strained text messages. Gee’s sister Velma, now in the spirit world, grapples with making peace with her life.
The Voices Beyond Humanity
In addition to the human characters, the book uniquely presents the perspectives of a young bison named Dee, whose ancestral lands are disrupted by human interventions. Dee’s chapters are poignant, capturing her longing for freedom and adventure. Alongside Dee, the voices of bison grandmothers, Gee’s dogs, and the grasslands themselves contribute to the rich tapestry of human and nonhuman experiences within the story.
Interviewed in the Wide Fabric of Life
“A Grandmother Begins the Story” is a contemplation on the interconnectedness of spirit, land, and family across generations. What stands out is how Porter manages to interweave the narratives of human and nonhuman characters, giving equal weight to all voices. It’s a beautiful meditation on what is passed down through generations and the stories that persist, sometimes hidden, yet always present and reshaping in new forms.
Michelle Porter’s debut invites readers to experience a deeply spiritual and matrilineal examination of life, making it a must-read for those interested in Métis storytelling and the broader human experience.
