The Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power

The Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power – 304 pages  

ARC from Mariner and Netgalley for an honest review

Book Blurb:

Sissy, born 1961: Sissy’s relationship with her beautiful and volatile mother is difficult, even dangerous, but her life is also filled with beautiful things, including a new Christmas present, a doll called Ethel. Ethel whispers advice and kindness in Sissy’s ear, and in one especially terrifying moment, maybe even saves Sissy’s life.
Lillian, born 1925: Born in her ancestral lands in a time of terrible change, Lillian clings to her sister, Blanche, and her doll, Mae. When the sisters are forced to attend an “Indian school” far from their home, Blanche refuses to be cowed by the school’s abusive nuns. But when tragedy strikes the sisters, the doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls.  
Cora, born 1888: Though she was born into the brutal legacy of the “Indian Wars,” Cora isn’t afraid of the white men who remove her to a school across the country to be “civilized.” When teachers burn her beloved buckskin and beaded doll Winona, Cora discovers that the spirit of Winona may not be entirely lost.

My Review: 3.5 stars

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The Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power was high on my list as I always find books about Native Americans to be of interest, especially when they are historical fiction.

This one is told in three first person POVs in their own time period. Each section was a deep dive into what life was like for this family going back through time. It starts with Sissy (Jesse) in the 1960s, then Lillian in the 1930s, then with Cora in the 1900s and finally with Jesse in the early aughts.

The unusual twist came from also getting a second perspective from each of these girl’s dolls. The dolls were a comfort to them and something that gave each of them strength during the harrowing time at the Indian school they were sent to. This book shows the suffering and generational trauma brought on by the actions of the White people.

Overall, I found the book to be informative with an interesting POV, yet there was something missing in its telling that I can’t put my finger on. When I figure it out, I’ll update the review.