A Very Small Rebellion

by Jan Truss

The man in the poster is Louis Riel, and in this powerfully wrought historical novel by Jan Truss, Paul Gauthier has been chosen to play Riel in a school play at a time in his life when new menaces threaten the small Metis settlement where he lives with his family. Convinced that such menaces can be fought with the same spirit that emboldened Riel, Paul and his young Indian friend Simon Buffalo set out to thwart a government plan to raze the settlement to make room for a new highway.

Paperback

First published May 30, 2005

About the author

Jan Truss was an author who taught literature, art, and music in Alberta. She won the Alberta Search for a Novelist competition in 1972 with Bird at the Window. Her second novel, A Very Small Rebellion, appeared in 1977, while Jasmin won the Ruth Schwartz Award. Her other novels included Summer Goes Riding, Red, and Peters Moccasins. Her short stories appeared in magazines, on CBC radio, and in collections later.

Reviews

[LindaLou6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Small Rebellion is a great book for students in Grades 4 to 6ish. It brings a period of Canadian history to life in a way that is relatable for this age group. It tells the story of Louis Riel, the Métis leader who defends the rights of his people in 2 rebellions against the Canadian government, while at the same time telling the story of Paul, Simon and Pearl who tell the Riel story in a school play, and stage a rebellion of their own.

[Leslie Basky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two stories in one. Louis Riel rebellion and parallel story about Metis people being told to get off their land and give up their homes because the government is putting a road through their land. Wondering if this is a connection to Road Allowance?

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately the author’s agenda of presenting the mistreatment of the Metis and First Nation’s People groups both at the time of the Metis Rebellion and in modern society has overshadowed her attempt to tell a story. The awkward and clunky prose combined with terrible dialogue make for unpleasant reading. The characters are unappealing and although her admirable intent is to promote fair treatment and understanding of Native Canadians this book fails to show a rich or interesting culture. After each chapter there is an awkward historic note which tells the story of Louis Riel. I would not recommend this book at all.