Medicine River by Thomas King

Medicine River By Thomas King

In the novel, Medicine River, Thomas King creates a story of a little community

to reflect the whole native nation. A simply return of Will's makes the little

town seem to be more colourful. "Medicine River makes non-native readers

think a little longer and harder about the lives of the first people they live

among and the places they inhabit." As a non-native reader, it is extra

difficult to feel and understand the book because we didn't go through all the

steps. Although Will starts like a foreigner, he becomes part of the unique

community eventually. Medicine River shows the past history of Canada and

teaches readers to learn from the past experience in order to become better

people. Will is the main character in the novel, Medicine River. The whole story

starts with a native photojournalist returns to his reservation for his mother's

funeral he discovers the strength of his background. Will does not live in the

reserve, Medicine River, because his father is a white person. After 20 years,

Will returns. After he opens the photo studio in the reserve, he feels like home

again. Doing business and playing basketball makes Will become a member of the

little Indian town. The people who help Will the most are Harlen, Louise and

Joyce. Harlen is the one who always wants to make Will feel better. The photo

studio & basketball team are Harlen's idea. Louise is the true love that

Will falls for. When Joyce asks Will to be in the photo, that really impresses

Will a lot. Finally, Will finds his career, love and friends in the reserve

after 20 years. Harlen is Will's friend and he is a very easy going man.