World War I was a uniquely horrific event in world history. It was truly the first of many things – first global warfare, first use of poison gas as a weapon, and first time that the Native peoples of Canada volunteered to fight for their country.

Joseph Boyden tells the commanding story of Xavier and Elijah, two young Cree Indians, who travel far from their familiar bush to fight in the unfamiliar fields of Europe. They do not know the land nor the enemy, but they do know how to use their skills as hunters and trappers in this foreign environment. Two boys head out, but only one returns.

Joseph Boyden tells this haunting story through dual and overlapping narration. Niska, Elijah’s aunt, has picked up her wounded nephew and is paddling him home to the wild. Along the way, their two voices overlay each other and offer two perspectives: first, a close look at the facts and details of Indian life at a pivotal time of change and second, a powerful glimpse into the tragedy of war.

The novel pairs the facts and details concerning the disappearance of the historic aboriginal way of life in the bush with the end of world innocence. 

Boyden explores the Indian experiences overseas alongside the reasons for the community’s voluntary participation in the war. His characters are vivid, the war scenes dramatic and the plotline grips the reader as it moves along. All of this, and more, is discussed in the Bookclub-in-a-Box discussion guide to the novel, Three Day Road.   

The novel is an unforgettable reading experience, while the guide is an informative and insightful companion to the book.  Enjoy both.

Detailed Product specifications: