The Theory of Crows

Deep in the night, Matthew paces the house, unable to rest. Though his sixteen-year-old daughter, Holly, lies sleeping on the other side of the bedroom door, she is light years away from him. How can he bridge the gap between them when he can't shake the emptiness he feels inside? Holly knows her father is drifting further from her; what she doesn't understand is why. Could it be her fault that he seems intent on throwing everything away, including their relationship?

Following a devastating tragedy, Matthew and Holly head out onto the land in search of a long-lost cabin on the family trapline, miles from the Cree community they once called home. But each of them is searching for something more than a place. Matthew hopes to reconnect with the father he has just lost; Holly goes with him because she knows the father she is afraid of losing won't be able to walk away.

When things go wrong during the journey, they find they have only each other to turn to for support. What happens to father and daughter on the land will test them, and eventually heal them, in ways they never thought possible.(From Harper Perennial)

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David A. Robertson is an author and graphic novelist based in Winnipeg. The multi-talented writer of Swampy Cree heritage has published several books across a variety of genres, including picture booksOn the TraplineandWhen We Were Alone, graphic novelBreakdown, and his memoirBlack Water, which wontwo 2021 Manitoba Book Awards.

Robertson is thewinner of the 2021 Freedom to Read Award. He was also the host of the CBC Edmonton podcastKiwew.

Robertson curated a reading list about residential schools on Twitter,then adapted the list for CBC Books.

Interviews with David A. Robertson

The Sunday Magazine17:07Finding home, through a father-daughter adventure story

Winnipeg's David A. Robertson is best known for his acclaimed kids' books that tell stories related to the history of residential schools in Canada. But now, the award-winning Indigenous writer is releasing a work of adult literary fiction inspired by his own life story, called "The Theory of Crows". He joins Chattopadhyay, to ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to talk about the value of personal histories and why storytelling is so important on the journey to reconciliation.

The path to healing and reconciliation in Canada

3 years ago

Duration 2:21

A visual essay by award-winning Cree author David A. Robertson and Anishinaabe filmmaker Jordan Molaro reflecting on the path toward healing and reconciliation in Canada.

David A. Robertson browses for comics at Maxx Collectibles in Winnipeg, Man.

6 years ago

Duration 4:48

David A. Robertson is the author of numerous graphic novels, including Will I See?, Betty and Sugar Falls. CBC Books caught up with Robertson at his local comic book store to learn about the comic books he loved reading as a kid.