Book Review: Weeping Goes Unheard by Lucia Mann
“Weeping Goes Unheard” no longer, as more and more voices speak through a variety of channels. Lucia Mann contributes to this revelation of a hidden (or as she says, undercover) past of Canada by expressing those who have passed away, disappeared or are still with us.
The author relies heavily on his investigative journalistic skills to document centuries of injustice against First Nations in Canada today. However, he takes the uncovered data and weaves it into a compelling narrative. In my opinion, the book is a written materialization of a documentary film with a series of reconstructions of events.
Lucia Mann has proven time and time again with her previously published novels that she is a very visual writer. Therefore, reading “Weeping Goes Unheard” is not that different from watching a documentary. Additionally, she is equally a soulful writer, passionately driven to help and give a voice to disadvantaged communities of all races. This passion shines through clearly throughout the text.
The task set by the author was not easy, since in front of her lay a long history of injustice that filters down to our days. Different aspects of this monstrous manifestation are addressed in the book, such as forced deportations, boarding schools, institutionalized abuse (mainly by authority figures who should provide protection), and serial killers, to name just a few.
What makes this book stand out from others on the same subject is a mix of elements and techniques that are skilfully handled by the author. The fragmented timeline, changing narrative techniques, and perspectives are just some of the strategies that keep the book dynamic and unpredictable (although some readers will be familiar with at least some of the information conveyed). Readers are thrown into a whirlwind of experience with often sudden jolts between the present and the past (and frequent gloomy musings about a future yet to come).
All in all, “Weeping Goes Unheard” is a stark book that puts into perspective stories from which society’s gaze has been veiled for too long. Due to the theme, it is not a read for all ages. While the book is very informative and insightful, Lucia Mann’s ultimate goal goes beyond simply passing on knowledge. As a humanist and activist, she finds creative ways to engage the public in the hope of turning passive citizens of Canada, and the world, into active participants enacting change for the common good.