Waubgeshig Rice proud of his thrilling new novel – Anishinabek News

October 30, 2023

N’SWAKAMOK/SUDBURY— Waubgeshig Rice says his gripping new book, Moon of the Turning Leaves, lauds Anishinaabe culture and Anishinaabe people. In conversation with the Wasauksing First Nation author, Waubgeshig talks of his sequel to the bestselling, Moon of the Crusted Snow, which sold over 100,000 audio and paper books. He knew he wanted to start with a birth.

It’s been 10 years in the story since readers followed Evan Whitesky. Society collapsed, forcing him to lead the community off the reserve to survive and thrive in the bush in traditional ways.

As Rice began to write Moon of the Turning Leaves, the world locked down against the Covid-19 pandemic. Waub’s wife Sarah was about seven months pregnant when everything changed in March 2020.

“He was born in June, Ayaabe, and it was just the most ideal timing, I think, for us to welcome our second child out into the world, because those times were so confusing and kinda scary. It was the ultimate celebration and really reminded us that we have to keep a good attitude and ensure that there’s love and hope for his brother and then another brother was born since then too, ” chuckles Waubgeshig. “It really helped me keep things in perspective about the future.”