Having Faith in the Polar Girls Prison
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By Cathleen With
Having Faith in the Polar Girls Prison is Cathleen With's first novel. Published by Penguin Canada in February 2009, this novel addresses some tough issues as it tells the story of Trista, an adolescent girl being held in the Polar Girls Prison in the (very) far North. Trista's infant daughter, Faith, is being cared for in the prison as well, but the knowledge that she will eventually be removed and placed in foster care looms large.
The novel is told from Trista's point of view, using an authentic and troubled voice, which allows the reader not only to experience her confusion and distrust of those around her, but also to gain understanding of the many very real issues facing Canada's First Nations people.
While the novel is published as Adult Fiction, it is well suited for the adolescent reader as well.
