Amanda Peters’s debut novel, The Berry Pickers, is exactly the sort of novel you’ll want to eagerly introduce into the conversation with your book club. It’s stunning in its quietness, gripping in its plot, and intentional in its eloquence.
The narrative shifts between two perspectives: six-year-old Joe, a member of a Nova Scotian Mi’kmaq fields-working family. One summer, having arrived in Maine with blueberry season, Joe’s four-year-old sister, Ruthie, disappears. Their mother is distraught, their father is angry, and the local law enforcement is no help.
A few years later, not terribly far away, in Maine, we meet Norma, the only daughter of a couple who is ever evasive about Norma’s early life. Norma is suspicious, though, and pokes around, eavesdropping and exploring, desperate to learn more about who exactly she is. Her mother watches her like a hawk, keeping her as close to home as possible.
Life goes on for both Norma and Joe, as they each approach their personal mysteries — and the discomfort that it causes them — in their own ways. The ghosts of their present haunt their days and their choices as they get older. Throughout, we’re compelled to consider family, desire, fairness, racism, and more, all via the deft pen of Peters.
The Berry Pickers
by Amanda Peters
A 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Prize Winner
A Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction Finalist
The Berry Pickers is one of the most original works we've had the pleasure of reading lately. The story is fascinating and heartbreaking; the prose is crafted so beautifully. Packed into these pages, too, is a piece of the history of Indigenous culture in our country. So where does one even begin to contemplate or discuss all The Berry Pickers has to offer? We've got just the questions you need, right here.
We recognize that it may be a little on the nose to recommend a blueberry recipe to pair with The Berry Pickers, but that’s not going to stop us. The novel is far from sweet, though, which is why we’re opting to offer you something with a touch of tartness, in this blueberry galette with lemon ice cream. We’re big fans of the galette — a very forgiving, very accessible twist on pie. Once you’re comfortable with this version, make it your own by adding other fruits that speak to you. (We’ve done a version with plums and thyme mixed in as well that is delightful.)
For our drink pairing, we were inspired at multiple points throughout the novel. A moment for the mint julep perhaps? Something with whiskey as its base? Nope. We’re going with a California white, in homage to Aunt June (who appreciates a good glass from California). Norma’s confidant, a voice of reason, a little comic relief — June quickly became one of our favorite characters, and it’s to her that we raise this glass of Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Chardonnay.
We were delighted by this interview with author Amanda Peters over at Cloud Lake Literary. Take a peek for a little insight into Amanda’s novel inspiration, writing resources, and more. There are a few spoilers throughout, so we recommend we wait until after you’ve read the novel to dig in.