I really enjoyed Eden Robinson’s novel, “Monkey Beach.” Something I particular appreciated was how Robinson seamlessly integrated First Nations mythology and supernatural elements into the text. Robinson weaves elements of the Haisla culture into the book without overwhelming the reader. He makes them completely relevant to the story and the situation that Lisa finds herself in. Also, most of the supernatural elements are never completely explained. Like Lisa herself, we never fully understand the implications of what is happening with her and how she can use her gifts. These elements tie her to a culture that is slowly being lost. There is no one left to guide Lisa and the rest of the young adults in the Haisla culture. This mythology takes on a darker and dangerous tone, in most cases, because Lisa doesn’t know how to control her gifts. When discussing berries, Lisa’s grandmother explains that certain berries should only be eaten carefully and by someone who knows how to handle them. This can also be said about the supernatural in the book.

In the classroom I think there could be many different ways one could handle “Monkey Beach.” There is an opportunity, in studying this book, to not only take a look at the First Nations culture but also have the students look at their own. In our modern society how much is the past important to our students? Do we need to form a connection with our past and, if so, who are we learning our culture from? After reading “Monkey Beach” we could ask the students to research their own cultures and bring these stories into the class. The students could then utilize them to write their own and integrate them into their back-stories. How do these stories impact the students? Are there any things that they can learn from their cultural stories?

I would also like to talk about “Monkey Beach” in the context of the literary circles we are currently doing them in. I have personally never taken part in one but was first intrigued by them, as a teaching tool, when introduced to them on my practicum. Now being in the middle of one, I have noticed that, by being given a task and then reading the book, I am much more conscious and sensitive to finding things that relate to the topic I am in charge of. It has certainly pushed me to take ownership of my given section. For example, I chose the jobs of Time Tracker and Timeline Developer. I am definitely having most fun with the Time Tracker role. Location is something I probably would not have any interest in, yet I have been meticulously keeping track of it while reading. “Monkey Beach” is full of locations. Though geographically the book doesn’t take place in a small area, Robinson describes multiple sites around Kitimat.

I think using a book like “Monkey Beach” in a literary circle can assist a class in taking a more in-depth look at it. The students are being forced to take charge of aspects of the novel that may not necessarily be analyzed in a larger group discussion.