Amanda Peters' The Berry Pickers is lauded for its engaging narrative and strong character development, capturing readers' imaginations with vivid descriptions and cultural insights. However, some critics point to occasional pacing issues and predictability in the plot. Overall, it's a compelling read that offers a rich, immersive experience.

Ideal for enthusiasts of poignant, character-driven narratives, The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters appeals to readers of Ann Patchett's The Dutch House or Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing. It’s perfect for those who appreciate richly detailed stories that explore themes of family, identity, and resilience.

The Berry Pickers follows Joe, a Mi’kmaq man with terminal cancer, and Norma, a woman who grows up in Maine unaware that she is actually Ruthie, Joe's long-lost sister. The story unfolds through their perspectives, revealing how Ruthie's disappearance from the berry fields and subsequent abduction profoundly impacts both their lives, leading to grief, addiction, and a search for identity and familial connections. The text contains descriptions of violence, domestic violence, racism, substance use disorder, miscarriage, and outdated terminology for Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Emotional / Nostalgic

**Joe**  
A 56-year-old narrator who is dying of cancer. He is contemplative and deals with guilt, blaming himself for his sister Ruthie's disappearance and brother Charlie's death. Joe struggles with alcoholism, travels across Canada, and eventually returns home for reconciliation with his family.

**Ruthie/Norma**  
The other protagonist, Norma was kidnapped as a child and raised by white parents, not knowing her true identity as Ruthie, a First Nations girl. She experiences recurring dreams about her real family and later pursues a career in teaching. Norma eventually discovers her origins and reunites with her birth family.

**Mae**  
Joe's strong-willed and wise sister who helps care for him as he faces the end of his life. She is a pillar of strength for her family. 

**Charlie**  
Joe's brother who was killed in a violent altercation. His death contributes to Joe's deep sense of guilt.

**Ruthie's Family (Joe's and Mae's family)**  
This includes their parents, Mae, Charlie, and Ben. The parents are loving and resilient despite the loss of Ruthie and Charlie. Ben turns to activism with the American Indian Movement.

Amanda Peters

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Berry Pickers and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Berry Pickers

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Berry Pickers?

Reading Age

Book Details