Doukhobor Daze

by Hazel O'Neail

Book by O'Neail, Hazel

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Mackenzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping to glean some fun stories and glimpses of Doukhobor culture (of which I am a descendant) but was extremely disappointed by the shallow, prejudiced, and downright gross narrative written by this author. While certainly a product of its time, this book is a representation of harmful views that continue to affect many populations today. Read if you want an example of intolerant colonial Canadian attitudes, saviourism, forced assimilation, and the drive to "civilize" any culture that looks different.

[Kat S · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is terrible. Unless, of course, you like reading books that dehumanize and demonize a group of people by turning them into a negative stereotype.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, bewildering, fish out of water memoir about a schoolteacher among the Doukhobors.

[Richard Janzen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the stories of people who lived in interesting or unusual situations. Hazel O'Neail taught among the Doukhobor people in the Kootenays in BC during the "Sons of Freedom" days. This book was so disappointing, because it offered a simple look at O'Neail's thoughts and experiences, but surprisingly little insight into the Doukhobors. An example is at the end of the book, she mentioned in passing their "problem" (using quotations), followed by the phrase" whatever it is"... Sigh...I was reading the book to see if I could learn somehing through your experience.