Thursday 3 November 2016

Three Day Road

Three Day Road
Three Day Road
By Joseph Boyden



The violence and brutality of war are not my idea of enjoyable subject matter.  Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road is indeed a story of war.  But it is also the story of best friends.  Their physical journey from the Ontario bush to the trenches of Europe mirrors their interior journey -- from peace and solitude to horror, and back again.

Elijah and Xavier are two young men from the Cree nation who join the Canadian army in World War I.  Both are experienced hunters who are comfortable in the bush.  The choice to immerse themselves in a European war is mostly Elijah’s, but Xavier follows.

Elijah is accustomed to life in a remote wilderness, but before going to live with Xavier and his Auntie Niska, he spent years in a residential school.  On the surface he appears unscathed by this experience, despite the abuse that he has undergone. He blossoms around people and quickly wins over his fellow soldiers.  His charm and wit become legendary in the Canadian army and his facility with language allows him to find a place with his compatriots.

Xavier, however, is happier in the company of animals than in the atmosphere of forced companionship of the army.  His English is poor, and he often relies on Elijah to translate for him.

Both Elijah and Xavier prove themselves to be skilled with firearms.  They quickly become a team of snipers, at times given privileges the others are not.  But while Xavier cannot reconcile the idea of killing another man, Elijah thrives on it.  Elijah becomes progressively more obsessed with killing, all the while charming officers, lieutenants and privates alike.  Xavier watches his best friend descend into a flurry of slaughter and madness, and must then ask himself whether he has the power to stop him.

The war narrative is interspersed with Niska’s tales.  Niska has great power inherited from her father and has tried to pass her skills onto Xavier.  Her stories of the Wendigo, a spirit that can possess a person, are particularly powerful.  Xavier’s traditional knowledge may be his saviour in this world of indescribable misery. 

Three Day Road is a graphic and unflinching portrayal of trench warfare, contrasted by the love that exists among Elijah, Xavier and Niska.  Their history and stories are poignant and beautiful.   Somehow, in this novel, the beauty wins out.

16 comments:

  1. Yes, I love these three days Road trips. I remember my friends going on vacation and me. But I am also going on another Trip To the UK because I have to go for Online Exams for my Preparation. I get difficulty facing many problems that's why I need buy essay uk for my Exams Preparation.

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  4. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden is a brutal and merciless depiction of trench warfare. Although both characters are accomplished shooters, Xavier suffers with the thought of murdering another man, whilst Elijah feeds on it. Their trip parallels their internal journey from calm and isolation to terror and back. It's an interesting book for people who have interest in war. take my online class

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  5. Two young Cree men named Xavier and Elijah travel throughout the book as they enlist in the war and work as snipers. Joseph Boyden's novel Three Day Road is a violent and ruthless portrayal of trench warfare. Both of the characters are skilled shooters, but Xavier struggles with the idea of killing another man, whereas Elijah revels in it. Their voyage is a reflection of their inner journey from solitude and peace to panic and back. For those who are interested in war, it's an interesting read. Get the best results by using do my online class services today.

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  8. Do My Course Online Elijah was always a curious and ambitious individual, but lately his ambition had become an obsession. He was fixated on killing and it had become the only thing he could think about. Xavier was now struggling with the decision of whether or not he had the power to stop Elijah from his murderous mission. He knew that if he didn't intervene, Elijah could bring about a great deal of harm, but he also knew that Elijah was a powerful and determined individual. Xavier had to ask himself if he had it in him to take on Elijah and put an end to his obsession. He thought long and hard and eventually decided that he had the strength and courage to do what he knew was right, and he took action to stop Elijah from his destructive path.

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  12. I understand that the violence and brutality of war may not be appealing subject matter for everyone. However, Joseph Boyden's Three Day Road offers more than just a story of war. It delves into the profound bond between best friends, Elijah and Xavier, who embark on a physical and emotional journey from the peaceful Ontario bush to the harrowing trenches of Europe. It gets simpler when I know that I can pay someone to Take My Online Class for Me.

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  15. "Three-Day Road" is a 2005 novel by Canadian author Joseph Boyden, set during World War I. The story follows the lives of two Cree soldiers, Xavier and Elijah, who serve as snipers for Canadian forces. The novel has been praised for its powerful storytelling, vivid descriptions, and exploration of complex themes. Critics highlight the novel's exploration of cultural identity, character development, historical accuracy, dual narrative style, themes of survival and loss, ethical questions about Indigenous sniper use, and the use of symbolism related to nature.

    The novel's dual narrative style creates suspense and conveys the characters' inner struggles. It also explores themes of survival, trauma, and the impact of war on individuals' physical and mental well-being. Boyden's meticulous research and attention to historical details have been commended. The novel also raises ethical questions about the use of Indigenous snipers during the war and the impact of war on Indigenous communities.

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  16. Three Day Road" intricately weaves the horrors of war with the bond of friendship and traditional wisdom, resulting in a compelling narrative where beauty triumphs amidst the brutality.
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