ATONEMENT TO A GREATER GOD

A historical novel set in 1870s Canada that examines the heights—and limits—of privilege.

James McGinn, the son of a prominent government official in Canada, studies medicine at Trinity College in Toronto. James, however, isn’t much interested in studying, as he’s preoccupied with the leisure and social aspects of college life; he even cheats on an exam using a stolen answer key, along with his friend Stephen Woodward. Of course, when he’s caught, he denies any wrongdoing and, with Stephen, attempts to burn the evidence—and the home of the professor who caught him, inadvertently killing the professor in the process. James’ well-connected father tries to shield him from justice by forcing him and Stephen to flee and join the Northwest Mounted Police in its dangerous mission west across the Canadian frontier. Martin’s clear writing stands out in two notable ways. His own background as a game guide and field officer for Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife will often give readers the feeling that they’re traveling through the countryside with the characters, feeling the “clouds of mosquitoes” or seeing ducks nesting in the reeds and mud of ponds. The evolution of James throughout the book is also consistent, as he starts off as entitled and oblivious to his own privilege and the damage it causes others and slowly realizes that his actions have hurt others and cost him people he cares about. In particular, his acknowledgement that he negatively influenced Stephen’s ability to pursue his dreams is a powerful moment of self-reflection of which he wasn’t capable earlier. Also, he meets Paniya, a First Nations woman who becomes the stabilizing force in his life. Their relationship leads to a powerful moment of clarity that represents a dramatic change from the selfishness of his youth.

A descriptive tale that effectively chronicles a journey toward selflessness.