Eden’s Robinson’s Son of a Trickster is a raw and compelling coming-of-age novel. The first book in the Trickster trilogy, the novel follows Jared, a 16-year-old teenager navigating life filled with family dysfunction, substance abuse and supernatural forces he doesn’t fully understand.
Son of a Trickster is a deep personal story of survival. Jared is intelligent and compassionate but his life is anything but easy. His mother is protective yet unpredictable, his father is absent and he struggles to keep his head above water while dealing with school, relationships and the effects of drugs and alcohol. Despite his flaws, Jared remains a deeply sympathetic protagonist, one whose resilience is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The novel also challenges mainstream narratives and stereotypes about Indigenous youth by presenting Jared as a relatable character rather than an unrealistic character. While his life is dysfunctional, Robinson refuses to let these struggles define his character.
Jared’s character development in Son of a Trickster is one of the novel’s most compelling aspects. At the start, he’s struggling to keep his life together often putting others before himself, even when they don’t always deserve it.
As the novel progresses, Jared’s perception of himself begins to shift. He starts off as someone who believes he’s just an ordinary, struggling teenager but the growing presence of supernatural elements forces him to confront a deeper truth about his identity.
Indigenous spirituality plays a key role in Jared’s journey, particularly through the presence of the Trickster. At first, Jared resists the supernatural forces creeping into his life, dismissing the warnings of his grandmother and the strange occurrences around him.
By the end of the book, Jared has experienced meaningful change. His relationship with the Trickster challenges his perception of himself. Becoming more aware of his worth, more skeptical of the people who manipulate him, and more willing to make his own decisions.
This quote reflects his journey:
“This world is hard, you have to be harder.”
Beyond Jared’s personal struggles, Son of a Trickster also reflects larger themes in contemporary Indigenous literature, such as intergenerational trauma, colonial impacts and Indigenous identity. Robinson’s description of Jared’s connections to Haisla spirituality and Trickster highlights the ongoing resilience of Indigenous identity.
While the novel’s tone is often dark, Robinson balances it with humour and warmth, particularly in the relationships Jared forms along the way. The dialogue is natural making the characters feel authentic.
Jared and his best friend Dylan added banter often getting drunk
Dylan: “What time is it?”
Jared: “Time for you to shut up and go to bed.”
Robinson makes the novel relatable ensuring readers feel every moment of Jared’s struggles and small victories. Her words don’t just tell a story, they pull readers into Jared’s world, making his experiences feel like they’re living it.
He didn’t want to worry about his moms reaction, but it wiggled around in the back of his mind like a melody you humed without thinking.
Son of a Trickster is a powerful and unique novel. Making it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Indigenous literature.
The novel challenges mainstream narratives and stereotypes about Indigenous youth through Jared’s character has humour, flaws and depth.
Robinson’s portrayal of his struggles and strengths offering a raw and authentic look at what it means to grow up Indigenous in contemporary Canada.