Fireweed

In Lauren Haddad’s gripping debut novel, Fireweed, we follow Jenny Hayes, a “white trash” housewife in Prince George, Canada, who struggles with her desire for a child and her judgment of her First Nations neighbor, Rachelle. After the mysterious disappearance of two women, including Rachelle, Jenny decides to investigate, revealing the complexities of her motivations and the societal issues surrounding race, class, and gender in her rural community. With sharp prose and a haunting exploration of intentions, the story challenges listeners to reflect on the myths and realities of empathy and concern for others.