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Ian
Having just reread "The Break" I have some more detailed answers to my own questions. If you haven't read "The Break" yet, this comment contains numerous spoilers for that novel.
As to the paternity of Phoenix, she is the child of a gang rape perpetrated upon Elsie shortly after the death of her Grandfather Mac. He doted on Elsie and his loss precipitated a depression which may have led her precipitously down a path towards loss of self-worth and hence vulnerability to rape.
The identity of Sparrow's father is not revealed in "The Break". It remains possible that it was the "Jimmy" of "The Strangers". We know that he was responsible for physical abuse of Phoenix when she was a child. In fact, it was the discovery at school of bruising on Phoenix that led to the apprehension of both Phoenix and Cedar-Sage, and their placement in foster homes and/or institutions. Tragically, Phoenix feels she is to blame for the break-up of her family because she dressed in a manner that revealed the evidence of her physical abuse by Sparrow's father.
It is never explicitly stated that Phoenix was sexually abused. However, this possibility is alluded to in a conversation between the Metis police officer Tommy and his mother. Tommy wonders why a female would rape another female with a glass bottle. She replies "It's a power thing. Rape is about power. She wanted power. ... She was probably messed with. Kids that are messed with get messed up." I think this exchange is intended by the author to tell us that Phoenix was both physically and sexually abused by Sparrow's father and that the rape of Emily was a consequence of her horrific childhood.
On a different note, the indigenous counsellor "Ben" who plays a great part in trying to rehabilitate Phoenix in "The Strangers" is briefly mentioned as the policeman Tommy's indigenous language teacher.
As to the paternity of Phoenix, she is the child of a gang rape perpetrated upon Elsie shortly after the death of her Grandfather Mac. He doted on Elsie and his loss precipitated a depression which may have led her precipitously down a path towards loss of self-worth and hence vulnerability to rape.
The identity of Sparrow's father is not revealed in "The Break". It remains possible that it was the "Jimmy" of "The Strangers". We know that he was responsible for physical abuse of Phoenix when she was a child. In fact, it was the discovery at school of bruising on Phoenix that led to the apprehension of both Phoenix and Cedar-Sage, and their placement in foster homes and/or institutions. Tragically, Phoenix feels she is to blame for the break-up of her family because she dressed in a manner that revealed the evidence of her physical abuse by Sparrow's father.
It is never explicitly stated that Phoenix was sexually abused. However, this possibility is alluded to in a conversation between the Metis police officer Tommy and his mother. Tommy wonders why a female would rape another female with a glass bottle. She replies "It's a power thing. Rape is about power. She wanted power. ... She was probably messed with. Kids that are messed with get messed up." I think this exchange is intended by the author to tell us that Phoenix was both physically and sexually abused by Sparrow's father and that the rape of Emily was a consequence of her horrific childhood.
On a different note, the indigenous counsellor "Ben" who plays a great part in trying to rehabilitate Phoenix in "The Strangers" is briefly mentioned as the policeman Tommy's indigenous language teacher.
Jasmine
No, Phoenix's father was never specified, although it's not relevant. But have you read her first novel, The Break? While The Break and The Strangers are stand alone novels and it doesn't matter what order you read them in, some characters from The Strangers play a big role in The Break, while others are mentioned. For example, Elsie is mentioned in The Break, including an incident that occurred when she was a teenager. I suspect that may be the origin of Phoenix's conception, and explain her descent into drug use.
As far as what Sparrow's father did to Phoenix, I took that to mean sexual abuse. Which helps us understand why Phoenix is the way she is, and did what she did (read The Break to find out what she did).
I have a feeling that Vermette will write another novel, and we will learn more about the characters.
As far as what Sparrow's father did to Phoenix, I took that to mean sexual abuse. Which helps us understand why Phoenix is the way she is, and did what she did (read The Break to find out what she did).
I have a feeling that Vermette will write another novel, and we will learn more about the characters.
Wendy Hill
Thank you Jasmine. I agree with both your explainations. I will have to read The Break now.
Jalilah
Sparrow’s father is never mentioned by name. I took it to be he was so terrible no one wanted to say his name. Jimmy is not Sparrow’s father. It’s mentioned that Jimmy was there for Elsie when Sparrow died and offered emotional support, although he appeared to get her more into drugs.
I read both The Break and The Strangers and never saw any mention of who Phoenix’s father was. Where does it say Elsie had been gang raped?
I read both The Break and The Strangers and never saw any mention of who Phoenix’s father was. Where does it say Elsie had been gang raped?
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