Three Day Road – Thoughts

Upon finishing Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road, my immediate thoughts were:

“That was a sick novel.”

Boyden’s novel was a first for me. Three Day Road isn’t just another war story. It possesses themes of Indigenous Aboriginal Identity, which really stood out to me. This aspect of the novel was especially intriguing as I was able to experience the First World War through a Cree Native’s perspective. Not only does one live through the lives of Niska and Xavier, but one can also gain a new and better understanding of First Nations culture and lifestyle, and how it was affected during the war. Three Day Road is a journey of family, friendship, and identity.

I loved the characters in the novel. The fact that Xavier and Elijah were underdog soldiers excelling in sniping grabbed my attention immediately. However, the way Boyden shaped their personalities and natures so differently is what drew me in the most. Xavier, on one hand, loyal to his Aboriginal background and spirituality, possesses a strong sense of morality. He feels guilty for killing other people, and overall dreads his experience on the battlefield. Elijah on the other hand, embraces European culture, and loses touch with his background. As a result, he does not possess the spirituality and respect Xavier has for nature and life. Elijah is instead, proud of his sniping skills and killing prowess.

The theme of identity is very prominent in the novel. We see conflicts within each character as we dive into their lives throughout the book. Niska refuses to go to residential school, and live in the bush and stay true to her identity. Xavier too is bound to his Aboriginal identity during the war, appreciating life. Elijah however, cut off from his First Nations background, enjoys the killing and is proud of his ability to kill.

The transformation which Xavier goes through from war was something I particularly found very intriguing. As the book progresses, he transitions to become more like Elijah. He becomes numb to the killing of others, and also becomes addicted to morphine. At the end of the novel, he even takes Elijah’s dog tag after killing him, ultimately taking his identity when he ends up in the hospital. Xavier goes through a loss of identity, but then healing later on.

The aspect of identity really stood out to me personally. Throughout my life, I have been immersed in Chinese culture. Living with my grandparents, they constantly keep me in tact with my ethnic background. Simply speaking Mandarin at home and practicing certain traditions, I stay in touch with my family’s culture and history. Over the years, I have come to truly appreciate my Taiwanese/Chinese roots, as I can enjoy more than one type of culture and lifestyle. Not only that, but acknowledging my background gives me my own unique identity. As shown in Three Day Road, I know the importance and significance of being linked to your background’s culture and history.

The vivid descriptions Boyden gives while the soldiers are on the front lines kept me glued, wondering what the next page would reveal. Furthermore, the significance of identity in the novel added a new mix to the war novel, making it truly one of a kind. All in all, Boyden’s Three Day Road  was an incredibly unique and engaging experience.