“Just Pretending” by Lisa Bird-Wilson is a collection of 24 short stories that delve into themes of identity, belonging, and the complex relationships between children and parents. The stories explore the experiences of Métis characters who grapple with their heritage and personal histories in various ways. The central conflict revolves around the characters’ struggles to understand and define their identities amidst the pressures and realities of their cultural and familial backgrounds.
In “Billy Bird,” a young man visits his dying grandfather in a rehab center and contemplates his place in the familial and cultural continuum. The story highlights his yearning for connection and understanding within his Métis heritage. Another story, “Someone’s Been Lying to You,” presents Jerry, a man raised by white parents who discovers his Métis roots through an older man. This revelation puts Jerry in a conflict between his upbringing and his biological heritage, leaving him feeling torn between two worlds.
The collection also includes stories like “A Nitanis (daughter)” where a young girl invents an imaginary mother to cope with her feelings of abandonment, and “Delivery,” where a new mother plans to escape from her abusive husband. Despite the overarching themes of loss and identity struggles, the book also contains moments of humor and lightness. For example, “Fine Stuff” depicts male bonding in the wilderness through comedic miscommunications, and “How to Tell if You Are Poor” incorporates magical realism when a group of friends releases a mythical being who offers them three wishes.
Throughout “Just Pretending,” Bird-Wilson explores the idea of identity as both a personal and social construct, questioning whether it is defined by blood or by the roles and relationships people assume. The stories collectively paint a poignant picture of the Métis experience, with each narrative adding depth to the understanding of identity and belonging within a marginalized community. The characters’ journeys are marked by both pain and hope, making the collection a nuanced exploration of what it means to belong.
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