Damnation Spring

Violence continues to spiral, and with the arson attack on Helen and Carl the narrative seems to be heading inexorably towards death. It is worth remembering here that Helen is Indigenous too, and that the other mothers who lost children did not have their homes burned down. Davidson may be making clear here the link between racism and resource extraction, and the othering at the heart of colonial appropriation. It takes the same mindset to settle someone’s land as it does to strip it of its raw materials.

Daniel is thus doubly an outsider—hated for his meddling, but also the victim of a long history of persecution in the community. That may explain his persistence in unmasking the truth of Sanderson’s spraying operation. In this section, he finally offers Colleen the evidence she needs to feel vindicated in her suspicions, even if the result is an even greater insecurity. For example, the charcoal filter has done little to protect her family.

Colleen’s motivation is to nurture those nearest and dearest to her, so it is no wonder that, despite frictions with her sister Enid, she is willing to drive her and Marla to the local abortionist. She even admits to herself in this chapter to wishing she was in Marla’s shoes and could choose to keep a baby. But she also knows that the decision would derail her young niece’s life. She does not hesitate to be there for her.

Matters with her sister are more complicated. But the revelation about Alsea, skillfully foreshadowed by Davidson throughout, is a wake-up call for Colleen. Whatever else might divide them, they both know now they have suffered tragedy at the hands of Sanderson. Although Eugene is angry about the news, it does not prompt the same introspection in him—rather, it inspires more outward anger.