Keeper'n Me

Keeper’n Me is a thought-provoking and poignant audiobook written by celebrated Canadian author Richard Wagamese. The audiobook, narrated by Jason Ryll, is a story about healing and self-discovery that takes listeners on a journey through the life of a young man trying to reconnect with his Indigenous heritage.

The story begins with Garnet Raven, a young Ojibway man who has spent most of his life in the foster care system. After serving a prison sentence for a crime he did not commit, Garnet is released and sent to a halfway house in Northern Ontario. There, he meets a wise Elder named Keeper, who begins to teach him about the traditions and teachings of his ancestors.

Through Keeper, Garnet learns about the Seven Grandfathers, a set of teachings that represent the seven core values of Indigenous culture: love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, truth, and wisdom. As Garnet begins to embrace these teachings, he slowly starts to heal from the trauma of his past and finds meaning and purpose in his life.

As the story unfolds, we see Garnet struggle with the complexities of his dual identity as an Indigenous person living in a predominantly white society. He also has to come to terms with the guilt and shame he feels over his involvement in a tragic accident that happened many years ago.

What makes Keeper’n Me so powerful is Wagamese’s skillful storytelling. He creates a vivid and immersive world that draws listeners in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the themes of identity, culture, and self-discovery are universal and resonate deeply with listeners of all backgrounds.

Jason Ryll’s narration is also excellent. He brings each character to life with distinct voices and accents, and his pacing and tone perfectly match the mood and tone of the story. His narration is a perfect match for Wagamese’s lyrical prose and makes for a truly immersive listening experience.

One of the most powerful aspects of Keeper’n Me is the way it explores the relationship between Indigenous people and their land. Garnet’s connection to the land is a central theme of the story, and his journey towards healing and self-discovery is intertwined with his rediscovery of his ancestral territory.

Wagamese’s writing is full of beautiful descriptions of the natural world, and his reverence for the land and its inhabitants is evident throughout the story. He writes with a deep sense of respect and understanding for Indigenous traditions and culture, and his love for his people and his land shines through in every word.

In conclusion, Keeper’n Me is a powerful and moving audiobook that offers listeners a glimpse into the rich and complex world of Indigenous culture. It is a story of healing, hope, and the enduring power of tradition and community. Richard Wagamese’s writing is masterful, and Jason Ryll’s narration is superb. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone interested in Indigenous culture, identity, and history, and for anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted story.