Genocidal Love - by Bevann Fox (Paperback)

About the Book

Previously published under title: Abstract love.

Book Synopsis

Winner, Indigenous Voices Award, 2021
Winner, Creative Saskatchewan Publishing Award, 2021
Shortlisted, Saskatchewan Book Award, Nonfiction, 2021
Shortlisted, Saskatchewan Book Award, City of Regina Prize, 2021
Shortlisted, Rasmussen & Co. Indigenous Peoples' Writing Award, 2021
Shortlisted, Regina Public Library Book of the Year Award, 2021
Shortlisted, Saskatoon Public Library Indigenous Peoples' Publishing Award, 2021

Genocidal Love delves into the long-term effects of childhood trauma on those who attended residential school and demonstrates the power of story to help in recovery and healing

Presenting herself as "Myrtle," Bevann Fox recounts her early childhood filled with love and warmth on the First Nation reservation with her grandparents. At the age of seven she was sent to residential school, and her horrific experiences of abuse there left her without a voice, timid and nervous, never sure, never trusting, and always searching.

This is the story of Myrtle battling to recover her voice.

This is the story of her courage and resilience throughout the arduous process required to make a claim for compensation for the abuse she experienced at residential school--a process that turned out to be yet another trauma at the hands of the colonial power.

This is the story of one woman finally standing up to the painful truth of her past and moving beyond it for the sake of her children and grandchildren. In recounting her tumultuous life, Fox weaves truth and fiction together as a means of bringing clarity to the complex emotions and situations she faced as she walked her path toward healing.

Review Quotes

"A riveting and courageous reflection. . . . Genocidal Love is unique in its detailed account of the often re-traumatizing effects of the legal and bureaucratic barriers of compensation programs predating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission."--Jesse Rae Archibald-Barber, editor of kisiskâciwan and co-editor of Performing Turtle Island

"A riveting, often difficult, brave, important book."--Deanna Reder, Chair, Department of Indigenous Studies, Simon Fraser University

"Fox tears beauty from the jaws of genocide, daring to claim love beyond settler imaginings--love that nurtures decolonial futures and makes possible a more just world."--Sam McKegney, author of Magic Weapons and Masculindians

About the Author

Bevann Fox is a member of Pasqua First Nation, originally from Piapot First Nation. In 2012 she received her Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Culture and in 2018 her Master in Business Administration, Leadership from the University of Regina. In 2014 she was honoured with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award--Arts, Culture and Heritage, and in 2022 she was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal. She is the founder, producer, and co-host of Access TV's The Four. Her 2020 book, Genocidal Love, won an Indigenous Voices Award and a Saskatchewan Book Award.