Linda Doyle's Reviews > The Berry Pickers

Told by two narrators, The Berry Pickers is the story of two siblings who are separated as toddlers, when the little girl, Ruthie, disappears just after her brother Joe leaves her alone. Ruthie, who is indigenous, is raised by a white and previously childless couple. It is a strict and lonely upbringing for her. In the meantime, Joe lives a life that is rife with feelings of anger and guilt. He blames himself for leaving his sister alone and vulnerable before she disappeared.

The ending is predictable, but that doesn’t take away from its impact. Though this is the story of two indigenous siblings, it is symbolic of the effects of racial cruelty and abuse toward indigenous people.