As I Enfold You in Petals by Richard Van Camp & Scott B. Henderson
CBC Books | Posted: February 13, 2023 5:21 PM | Last Updated: February 16, 2023
A graphic novel about a newly sober man looking to reclaim land and help his people
Six weeks sober, Curtis searches for healing in the ancient cultural practices of his Tłı̨chǫ Dene grandfather. But will the Little People answer his call?
Curtis has returned to Fort Smith, six weeks sober. He doesn't have any sober friends, his mom's still drinking, and his best friend (and secret crush) Lacey probably is too. Still, he's determined to stay sober and help his people. Along the way, he might just be able to help himself.
Louis, Curtis's late grandfather, was a healer. Legend has it, Louis made a deal with the Little People that gave him the power to heal. No one has heard from the Little People since Louis's death, but his cabin may hold the key for them to return. There's only one problem: Benny the Bank stands in the way.
An infamous bootlegger, Benny has profited off Fort Smith's pain for decades. After being critically wounded in an attempt on his life, Benny knows he doesn't have much time before the poison in his blood takes him. He also happens to own Louis's cabin.
Can Curtis convince Benny to return his grandfather's land? Will the Little People answer his call? And can Benny find a way to make amends and leave a legacy he can be proud of?
A stunning, fast-paced graphic novel, As I Enfold You in Petals will keep readers riveted until the last page. Materials in the back of the book provide information and cultural context about the Inuit tattoos represented in the graphic novel. (From HighWater Press)
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Richard Van Camp is a Tlicho Dene writer from Fort Smith, N.W.T. who has written over 20 books across multiple genres. His graphic novel A Blanket of Butterflies, which was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2016 and recently re-released in full colour, marking his first collaboration with Henderson. His other books include Angel Wing Splash Pattern, Night Moves, We Sang You Home and Little You, a children's book illustrated by Julie Flett that was translated into Bush Cree, Plains Cree, South Slavey and Chipewyan.
Scott B. Henderson is an author and illustrator based in Winnipeg. His other books include Breakdown, Pemmican Wars and A Blanket of Butterflies. He was also a contributor to the graphic anthology This Place: 150 Years Retold, which is now a CBC Books podcast.