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Reviewed by Mishael Austin for Readers' Favorite
Tethered Spirits by Corinne Hoebers traces the interwoven paths of the Heber family and the Mì’kmaq during the French and Indian War. The story centers on the son, Christian, whose kidnapping becomes the doorway into a new family and a new identity. In his adopted family, he is known as Bear Cub. His sister Hanna forms her own bond with the nearby Mì’kmaq families. She goes so far as to offer food and friendship to those others call her enemies. Not every member of the Heber family shows goodwill toward the indigenous people. Elisabeth struggles to overcome a traumatic attack, and Michael Heber’s rigid worldview creates an uncrossable divide within the family. The novel doesn’t tie everything up neatly, as Christian’s relationship with his father only begins to thaw, and the war’s outcome remains offstage. However, the novel closes with a striking image of an eagle circling over both Christian and Hanna. A reminder that connection can outlast conflict.
Overall, the book feels thoroughly researched, and that authenticity is one of its biggest strengths. At times, the historical detail leans a little heavy. It’s almost like reading a history text with a storyline woven through it. But the narrative’s heart keeps it from feeling dry, due in large part to the masterful handling of the family, ethnic, and personal conflicts. The author’s own personal connection to the Heber family’s story adds an extra layer of meaning. Readers who enjoy realistic historical fiction, especially stories that explore cross-cultural relationships with nuance, will likely find Corinne Hoebers’s Tethered Spirits both thoughtful and memorable. A solid read.
