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I started Jamesie Fournier’s book, The Other Ones, a few times, and it finally stuck a few weeks ago. It took me that long to figure out what I wanted to say about it. I think that while this is a good book, it is not easy, and can be a bit slow at times. And the illustrations that Toma Feizo Gas created are nice, but they are not for everyone and can be a smidgen off putting if you are not in the right mood for them. They paint a realistic thriller story, the everyday is show as dangerous. This is a combination of things that are spooky, but at the same time, they are not. The folklore of the Inuit people is presented in a way that I was not used to. I am not sure of the word, but at times things felt heavy. There is some humor, but overall, this is a serious book. And again, not for everyone.
However, if you like monsters, there are monsters (and not just under the bed). And these monsters want to do more than play with your toys. These are stories of how the old ways are being lost, and yet, that might be the only way to save yourself. The culture of the stories is alive and well, even if some of the characters are not.
The unique illustrations paint native folklore in a way that you think you are safe. That is, until the lights go off. Or even when the dawn arrives. You see, they are dark. Even when there is light and lighter colors, things are ominous. They fit the tone of the book very well. There are only few stories, which was the perfect amount of reading. The biggest issue I had is that it is in a slightly oversize picture book format which might turn off older readers. However, adult readers would be my go-to reader.
I have never read an Inuk author (that I know of and/or remember) but Fournier is one to keep an eye out for. Their second book is due in 2024.