The Break by Katherena Vermette, published in Canada in 2016 and the United States in 2018, centers around a multigenerational family grappling with their past while dealing with the fallout of a crime against one of their youngest members. Set in Winnipeg, the novel explores themes of intergenerational trauma, justice, and systemic oppression faced by Indigenous communities, utilizing multiple perspectives through third-person and first-person narration. The book contains graphic scenes of sexual and physical violence, as well as depictions of addiction, self-harm, and racist language directed at Indigenous people.

Katherena Vermette's The Break explores a community's trauma and resilience through compelling, multifaceted characters. Reviewers praise its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and powerful storytelling. However, some find its multiple perspectives occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's lauded for its profound impact and nuanced portrayal of Indigenous experiences.

A reader who would enjoy The Break by Katherena Vermette is one who appreciates multi-generational, poignant narratives about Indigenous experiences and resilience. Comparable to readers of Louise Erdrich’s The Round House and Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, they seek profound stories that explore identity, trauma, and community.

Dark / Mysterious / Contemplative / Unnerving / Emotional

- Katherena Vermette, an award-winning Métis writer, drew inspiration from her own community in Winnipeg's North End to create the setting of The Break. 
- The Break won the Amazon.ca First Novel Award in 2017, highlighting Vermette's successful transition from poetry to novel writing.

**Stella**  
A character who appears independent from her family but is deeply connected to them through her past and current struggles, including guilt and re-engagement with her family.

**Emily**  
A young teenage girl who begins with naive excitement and is central to the narrative's darker events, she grapples with personal trauma while maintaining her caring nature.

**Cheryl**  
A nurturing figure and caregiver who offers support and understanding to her family, facilitating their healing while dealing with her own regrets.

**Tommy Scott**  
The novel's sole male perspective, a police officer navigating his identity between two worlds while striving to connect the Indigenous community with law enforcement.

Katherena Vermette

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Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Break 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 Break Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Break Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 7

The Break Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Prologue-Chapter 14

The Break Part 2, Prologue-Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Prologue-Chapter 21

The Break Part 3, Prologue-Chapter 21 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Prologue-Chapter 29

The Break Part 4, Prologue-Chapter 29 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Break Character Analysis

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Themes

The Break Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Break Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Break Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Break Essay Topics

The Break

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Break?

Reading Age

Book Details