Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle's Even As We Breathe captivates with its rich cultural depiction and poignant narrative, earning praise for its atmospheric setting and multifaceted characters. Critiques mention a sometimes slow-paced plot, but readers appreciate the unique historical context. Overall, a compelling read that offers a fresh perspective on WWII-era America.

Readers who enjoy Even As We Breathe by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle are likely interested in Southern literature, WWII-era narratives, and Native American perspectives. Comparable to readers of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich, they appreciate richly woven tales of identity, resilience, and historical depth.

Set in 1942 western North Carolina during WWII, Even As We Breathe by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle tells the coming-of-age story of Cowney Sequoyah Jr., a 19-year-old orphaned Cherokee boy who works at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn and faces complex challenges including the deaths of close relatives, a tumultuous relationship, and suspicion in the disappearance of a diplomat’s child. The narrative includes mentions of death by suicide and child death.

Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle

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Even As We Breathe Summary and Study Guide

Background

Even As We Breathe Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Bones”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 5

Even As We Breathe Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-11

Even As We Breathe Part 1, Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Stains”

Part 2, Chapters 12-18

Even As We Breathe Part 2, Chapters 12-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-24

Even As We Breathe Part 2, Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Even As We Breathe Character Analysis

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Even As We Breathe

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