Three Day Road | Book
Introduction
Three Day Road is a critically acclaimed novel written by Canadian author Joseph Boyden. Published in 2005, it tells the captivating and haunting story of two Cree friends, Xavier Bird and Elijah Whiskeyjack, and their experiences during World War I. The novel explores themes of war, identity, cultural dislocation, trauma, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous people.The story is predominantly set in Europe during the First World War, where Xavier and Elijah voluntarily enlist in the Canadian army as snipers. The narrative unfolds through alternating perspectives, with Xavier recounting his experiences after returning from the war, and Niska, Xavier's aunt and a traditional medicine woman, telling her own story as she paddles him home.Xavier, a young Cree man, is torn between his indigenous heritage and the Western world he has been thrust into. Raised in the Canadian wilderness by his aunt Niska, he has developed a deep connection to his indigenous roots. However, when Xavier and Elijah join the war effort, they are exposed to the horrors of battle, witnessing the violence, brutality, and dehumanization that war entails.Throughout the novel, Boyden skillfully illustrates the emotional, physical, and psychological toll the war takes on Xavier and Elijah. The constant killing and exposure to unimaginable trauma deeply affects their psyche, leading to their descent into a world of addiction and brutality. As they become renowned for their skills as snipers, Xavier wrestles with the morality of killing, while Elijah becomes consumed by the power and adrenaline it gives him.In tandem with the events of the war, the novel delves into Xavier and Elijah's complex friendship. The two men share a deep bond, rooted in their shared Cree heritage. Their friendship is further tested as they navigate the horrors of war together, with Xavier attempting to save Elijah from the darkness that threatens to consume him. However, the war takes its toll on their friendship, and they find themselves drifting apart.Interwoven with the main narrative is Niska's story, recounting her own experiences as a traditional Cree woman. Niska, who has witnessed the devastating effects of colonialism and the residential school system, serves as a significant counterpoint to Xavier and Elijah's experiences in the war. Her storytelling reflects the spiritual and ancestral connections that keep her grounded in her Cree identity.As the novel progresses, Xavier and Elijah's war experiences and Niska's tales converge to form a complex and poignant exploration of identity and culture. Xavier's return to the Cree community is marked by his struggles to reconcile his war experiences with his indigenous heritage. The three central characters are all profoundly transformed by their encounters with war, prompting them to question their place in the world and the meaning of their existence.Three Day Road is a beautifully written, evocative, and thought-provoking novel that delves into the harrowing realities of war while exploring the enduring power of identity and culture. Joseph Boyden's captivating storytelling, vivid descriptions, and nuanced characters make for a compelling and unforgettable reading experience.
5 Key Lessons From Three Day Road
1. Loss of Identity: One key lesson in the book Three Day Road is the theme of loss of identity. The two main characters, Xavier and Elijah, are both Indigenous peoples who join the Canadian forces during World War I. As they experience the horrors of war, they struggle to maintain their cultural identities and traditions. The book explores the impact of war on their sense of self, highlighting the profound loss of cultural heritage and the challenges they face in reconciling their Indigenous past with the atrocities they witness in battle.
2. The Cost of War: Another important lesson in the book is the high cost of war, both physically and mentally. Through Xavier and Elijah's experiences, we see the physical toll that war takes on soldiers, with vivid descriptions of injuries, amputations, and the general brutality of combat. Additionally, the book delves into the psychological trauma of war, showcasing the toll it takes on the characters' mental well-being as they struggle with nightmares, addiction, and the emotional aftermath of the violence they are forced to partake in.
3. The Power of Tradition and Belief: Three Day Road emphasizes the power of tradition and belief systems, particularly within Indigenous cultures. The book explores Xavier and Elijah's connection to their Cree heritage and their reliance on traditional methods, such as using drugs to overcome fear and pain. The characters' cultural beliefs and practices provide them with a sense of strength, resilience, and guidance throughout the hardships they face.
4. The Complexity of Friendship: The book examines the complexity of friendship, especially in the context of war. Xavier and Elijah start as best friends and comrades-in-arms, but their friendship becomes strained as they face different challenges and cope with the traumas of war in different ways. Their relationship is tested by envy, rivalry, and ultimately, betrayal. Through their bond, Three Day Road explores the intricacies of friendship under extreme circ*mstances and the strains war can place on even the strongest relationships.
5. Post-War Consequences: The book also delves into the aftermath of war and the lasting impact it has on soldiers. Xavier and Elijah return to Canada after the war, but struggle to reintegrate into their former lives. They are plagued by the traumas they experienced, undergo rehabilitation for their physical injuries, and battle addiction. Three Day Road examines the challenges faced by war veterans as they try to come to terms with their past and find their place in a society that often fails to understand or support their experiences.
30 Best Three Day RoadQuotes
