Richard Wagamese is one of my favourite writers; though, to be honest, I've only read two of his books (For Joshua and One Native Life). I accidently discovered him from the TBPL new book display last year, not knowing that One Native Life was such a huge success in the Canadian mainstream. His flowing style makes reading effortless and his heartfelt storytelling takes your emotions for a good long walk.For Joshua is about Wagamese's spiritual awakening - from the lonely Indian kid, to the rebellious Indian man, to the Ojibway man struggling to maintain on the path with heart. It's honest, personal and yet I believe it has value for anyone who reads it.
Of special interest (ie. related to 'metaphysics') are his descriptions of his Vision Quest, Sweat Lodge participation and some of the legends, teachings and rituals he has learned along the way - a good introduction to Ojibway culture.
There are stages that Wagamese has recognized. First is the Indian-amongst-Canadians: the kid who tries so hard to be an Indian that he’s willing to fabricate a history and mythology just to fit in. Second is the rebel/outcast who doesn’t fit in anywhere, who turns to superficial relationships and substance abuse for a feeling of belonging. Third is the pseudo-warrior: the guy who wants to fight the system with the little bit of traditional knowledge he has learned, he belongs, but to the margins of an angry subculture that uses “Indian-ness” as a rallying point. Fourth is the spiritual participant, the person who powwows, sweat lodges, vision quests, smudges, can relate legends and has (sometimes) a better than beginner’s knowledge of Ojibway cosmology. Fifth is kind of unstated. It’s a realm of interbeing that transcends ethnicity or race.
