Inspiration, Historical Influences and Sources of the Novel

In this novel, Joseph Boyden tells a grand story of the First World War and its experiences from an aboriginal’s perspective.  Joseph Boyden was mostly inspired by the Ojibwe hero, Francis Pegahmagabow who experienced the reality of World War I and succeeded as a renowned marksman.  His grandfather, father, and uncle, however, also fought in the war and sparked his initial interest in war.  Boyden’s father was an important man named by King George VI himself as the British Empire’s most highly decorated medical officer.  

Growing up as the son of such a man, this led him to be surrounded and infatuated by the myth and difficulties of war.  Boyden started to research more and more about the war itself, going through his father’s medals and newspaper articles as well as asking his family members for stories and experiences.  Having a mother who had to work and support a family after the death of his father also allowed Boyden to freely explore his interests at a young age.  He took this opportunity to visit the United States and travel around America to satisfy his thirst for information.  Boyden mostly received his sources from his personal experiences teaching in reserves including Mosse Factory, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Attawapiskat as well as rummaging through his father’s artifacts and talking to many historians.  In writing this novel, Boyden hopes to be able to share the experiences of war through combining his family’s history and the myth of hero marksman, Francis Pegahmagabow.