Three Day Road Summary & Key Insights

Joseph Boyden's "Three Day Road" tells the interwoven story of two young Cree men, Elijah and Xavier, during and after World War I. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks, intertwining their experiences in the Canadian army with their upbringing in the remote Northern Ontario wilderness and their enduring connection to their ancestral Cree culture.

Elijah, a promising young hunter, initially embraces the opportunity to serve in the army, hoping to prove his worthiness and escape the limitations of his community. He finds a strange solace in the structured violence of war, becoming a skilled sniper who relies on his innate tracking skills and intimate understanding of the land. However, his experiences leave him deeply traumatized, revealing the psychological toll of unrelenting violence. He witnesses horrors that irrevocably fracture his connection to his traditional beliefs and his sense of self. His increasingly erratic behaviour demonstrates the devastating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder long before the condition was properly understood.

Xavier, Elijah's childhood friend and a skilled medicine man, initially attempts to protect Elijah from the destructive path of war. He accompanies Elijah to the front lines, intending to heal the physical and emotional wounds of his people, a role he fulfills with unwavering compassion. Unlike Elijah, Xavier retains a strong connection to his Cree heritage and spiritual beliefs, acting as a grounding force in the face of the horrors of war. However, even his resilience is tested by the stark realities of conflict and the relentless suffering he witnesses.

The "three-day road" referenced in the title symbolizes the journey towards death, both physical and spiritual. For Elijah, this road represents his descent into mental illness and alienation from his culture, a journey marked by substance abuse, violence, and ultimately, self-destruction. For Xavier, it represents the path of healing and preservation of his culture, though he also carries the weight of the suffering he witnessed and failed to prevent.

The overarching themes of the novel explore the devastating impact of colonialism, war, and cultural displacement on Indigenous communities. It highlights the clash between traditional ways of life and the imposed values of Western society. The novel examines the psychological toll of war and the inadequacy of the systems designed to support returning soldiers, specifically focusing on the lack of understanding and appropriate care for Indigenous veterans. Ultimately, "Three Day Road" is a poignant and powerful exploration of trauma, loss, resilience, and the enduring strength of cultural identity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The narrative leaves the reader pondering the enduring legacy of war and the importance of understanding the experiences of Indigenous peoples, especially those who served in conflict.