WHITE

An unflinching exploration of race, identity, and the power of knowledge, Aviva Rubin’s latest novel, WHITE, will resonate with anyone seeking stories that push the boundaries of courage and personal growth. Set in the 1990's, protagonist Sarah is born into a patriarchal family dominated by her grandfather, a staunch white supremacist. His hatred, fueled by a twisted sense of perceived injustice, drives him to dedicate his life to his collection of banned books and proselytizing xenophobic beliefs. This toxic environment sets the stage for what's to come.

Re-education and enlightenment are central themes in WHITE. The story begins with Sarah in her youth, an avid reader who decides to find work at the local library. While there, she shares a few of her grandfather’s books with the chief librarian, whose shock and disapproval become a wake-up call for Sarah. Embarrassed and disillusioned, Sarah seeks to unlearn the hatred ingrained in her upbringing. At the library, she discovers not only the truth about historical atrocities like the Holocaust, but also the humanity and worth of people her family taught her to despise. Sarah’s transformation becomes an act of courage, as she goes on to expose members of white supremacist groups, including politicians in Ontario and Quebec. But her stand against hate comes at a cost—her non-white friends face brutal violence, and her own mental health begins to unravel.

Well-researched and unwavering, Rubin weaves white supremacist terrorist attacks of the 1980s and 1990s into a powerful redemption narrative. The novel challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about white supremacy in Canada—a real and pressing issue that many prefer to ignore. Though largely set in the 1990s, the novel feels more relevant than ever. By centring much of the story in Goderich, Ontario, where a White Lives Matter billboard was displayed as recently as November 2024, Rubin underscores the persistence of these ideologies. While the book doesn’t shy away from its heavy subject matter, containing explicit racist diction throughout, every choice feels deliberate and essential for authenticity. It's a challenging read, but Rubin handles these themes with care and precision, creating a narrative that is both haunting and hopeful.

Ultimately, Rubin’s novel is more than just one young woman’s journey—it’s a call to action for a nation to confront its history and work toward a more inclusive future. WHITE takes a raw look at the indoctrination and unlearning of hate, offering a path to hope amidst the darkness of systemic racism. From painful awakening to fearless activism, Sarah’s story highlights the courage and resilience needed to break free from deeply ingrained beliefs and fight for change.

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW

Published by RE:BOOKS Publishing

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