Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Gritty, Humorous, Supernatural, Unsettling, Coming-of-age
- Read it if
- You enjoy contemporary Indigenous stories blended with dark humor, gritty realism, and a strong dose of urban fantasy, featuring a morally complex protagonist discovering their supernatural heritage.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted fantasy, are sensitive to themes of drug abuse, violence, and neglect, or dislike unreliable narrators and ambiguous endings.
Son of a Trickster Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Jared's Chaotic Home Life and Supernatural Encounters
Sixteen-year-old Jared Martin lives a chaotic life in Kitimat, British Columbia, selling weed cookies to support his family. His mother, Maggie, is an alcoholic and often violent. His father, Phil, is unreliable and has a new family. Jared cares for his elderly neighbors, Mrs. Georgina and Mr. Abernathy, and tries to manage his own life. He has disturbing visions, like ravens talking to him and seeing strange creatures, which he thinks are from being high. His pit bull, Baby Killer, dies, making him feel more alone. His grandmother, Nana Sophia, often tells him he's the 'son of a trickster' and not human, but Jared dismisses her comments.
A New Girlfriend and Escalating Disturbances
Jared starts a relationship with Sarah, a girl from school, which brings some normalcy. But his visions become clearer and more frequent. He sees a monstrous, hairy creature in the woods and has blackouts. During one blackout, he wakes up covered in blood and dirt, remembering nothing. His friends, Crash and Richie, worry about his behavior. Jared tries to explain these events as results of his drug use and stress, despite growing evidence against it. Sarah, at first understanding, starts to get uneasy with his erratic actions.
The Cannibal Otter and a Shocking Revelation
While walking home, Jared is attacked by a large, cannibalistic river otter (a Sasquatch-like creature called a Wee'git) that speaks to him. He is badly hurt but escapes. His mother, Maggie, finds him. Instead of taking him to a hospital, she heals his wounds with a glowing green substance. Maggie then reveals she is a witch and that Jared's father is not Phil, but Wee'git, a powerful, supernatural being. This revelation shatters Jared's understanding of his identity and family.
Confronting His Father and Unveiling Family Secrets
Shocked by his mother's confession, Jared wants to meet his real father. Maggie takes him to a remote cabin where he meets Wee'git, who appears as a charismatic but disturbing man. Wee'git confirms Maggie's story, explaining he is a shapeshifting trickster spirit and Jared's father. He tries to involve Jared in his world, offering him power and knowledge. Jared also learns about the deep conflict between Maggie and Wee'git, a fight stemming from their supernatural natures and a past betrayal. Maggie warns Jared not to trust Wee'git, emphasizing his manipulative nature.
The Attack on Sarah and a Call to Action
The supernatural conflict affects Jared's human life when Sarah is attacked by one of Wee'git's followers, a monstrous owl-like creature. Sarah is severely injured, and Jared feels overwhelmed by guilt and fear. Maggie, with her friend Auntie Mave, a powerful elder witch, explains that Wee'git is trying to make Jared use his trickster heritage and powers. Jared realizes he can no longer ignore the supernatural world and must learn to protect himself and his loved ones. He begins to understand the real danger he and those around him face.
Training with Witches and Developing Powers
Under Maggie and Auntie Mave's guidance, Jared starts to learn about his powers and the world of witches and spirits. He discovers he can see and talk to spirits, heal quickly, and subtly change reality. His blackouts are times when his trickster powers show up uncontrollably. Maggie and Mave teach him about Haisla magic and the need for balance. Jared struggles with the moral implications of his powers and the violent nature of the supernatural world, questioning his identity and if he is becoming like his father.
The Threat of Wee'git's Followers
Wee'git's followers, various supernatural creatures and spirits, become more aggressive, targeting Jared and those close to him. Jared, along with Maggie and Mave, fights off attacks from creatures like the Owl-Man and other monstrous beings. These fights are brutal and dangerous, forcing Jared to use his new powers to defend himself. He sees the harsh realities of the supernatural world and the constant struggle for power. His friends, Crash and Richie, become more aware of the strange things happening around Jared, though they don't fully grasp the supernatural conflict.
A Desperate Plea and a Difficult Choice
Wee'git directly appeals to Jared, promising him power and belonging if he fully accepts his trickster nature and joins him. He tries to convince Jared that Maggie is holding him back and that his human life is unimportant compared to his true destiny. Jared feels conflicted. He is tempted by the promise of understanding and control over his powers, but he is also committed to protecting his human friends and family. He struggles with the idea of leaving his humanity and the people he cares about for a life he did not ask for.
The Confrontation and a Temporary Resolution
The conflict ends in a direct confrontation between Jared, Maggie, and Wee'git. The battle involves powerful magic and trickery from both sides. Jared, using his developing powers and his mother's training, holds his own. He does not fully defeat Wee'git, but he asserts his independence and makes it clear he will not be controlled. The battle ends in a stalemate; Wee'git retreats, but the truce is fragile. Jared knows this is only the beginning of his journey.
Embracing His Dual Nature and an Uncertain Future
With the immediate threat gone, Jared starts to accept his dual nature as both human and son of a trickster. He acknowledges his complex identity and the responsibility that comes with his powers. His relationship with Sarah is strained, but she is recovering. He finds a new purpose in protecting his loved ones. The book ends with Jared understanding that his journey has just begun, with more challenges and revelations about his trickster heritage to come. He stands at the edge of a new, fantastical world.
Son of a Trickster Characters
Jared Martin
Protagonist
A compassionate teen struggling with a chaotic life and emerging supernatural powers.
Jared is a sixteen-year-old Haisla and Heiltsuk boy living in Kitimat, BC. He's a seemingly ordinary burnout kid who deals weed cookies to help support his dysfunctional family. Beneath his tough exterior, he possesses immense compassion, often caring for his elderly neighbors and trying to stabilize his alcoholic mother, Maggie, and unreliable father, Phil. Jared initially dismisses the strange occurrences around him as drug-induced hallucinations, but he is forced to confront his true heritage as the son of the Trickster, Wee'git, and his mother, a powerful witch. He is driven by a desire to protect his loved ones and understand his bewildering identity.
Relationships: Maggie (His alcoholic mother, who is secretly a powerful witch); Wee'git (His biological father, the Trickster spirit); Sarah (His girlfriend, who becomes a target of supernatural forces); Crash (His best friend, often a source of support and comic relief); Richie (Another close friend, part of Jared's human circle); Nana Sophia (His maternal grandmother, who always knew he was 'not human')
Maggie
Supporting
Jared's alcoholic mother, who is secretly a powerful Haisla witch.
Maggie is Jared's mother, a complex character defined by her struggles with alcoholism, her fierce love for Jared, and her hidden identity as a powerful Haisla witch. She is often violent and unpredictable, creating a chaotic home environment, but she also possesses deep wisdom and strength. Maggie is locked in an ancient conflict with Wee'git, Jared's biological father, and dedicates herself to protecting Jared from his influence. Her erratic behavior often masks her efforts to shield Jared from the supernatural world, making her a formidable, if flawed, guardian.
Relationships: Jared (Her son, whom she fiercely protects from Wee'git); Wee'git (Jared's biological father and her ancient adversary); Auntie Mave (Her friend and fellow witch, providing support and wisdom)
Wee'git
Antagonist
Jared's biological father, a powerful and manipulative Trickster spirit.
Wee'git is the legendary Haisla Trickster spirit, Jared's biological father, and Maggie's ancient adversary. He is a shapeshifter, appearing as a charismatic man but also as a monstrous, cannibalistic otter. Wee'git is cunning, manipulative, and driven by a desire to bring Jared into his world, seeing him as a powerful heir. He represents chaos and the wilder, darker aspects of the supernatural. His motivations are complex, rooted in power, lineage, and a long-standing conflict with Maggie and the human world they represent. He is both alluring and terrifying.
Relationships: Jared (His son, whom he seeks to influence and claim); Maggie (Jared's mother and his ancient magical rival)
Sarah
Supporting
Jared's girlfriend, who becomes an unwitting target in the supernatural conflict.
Sarah is Jared's girlfriend, a seemingly ordinary high school student who provides a brief sense of normalcy and stability in Jared's chaotic life. She is kind and initially understanding of Jared's eccentricities, but as the supernatural events escalate, she becomes increasingly unnerved. Sarah eventually becomes a victim of Wee'git's minions, suffering a severe attack that forces Jared to fully confront his powers and responsibilities. Her role highlights the danger Jared's human connections face and serves as a catalyst for his development.
Relationships: Jared (His girlfriend, who is drawn into his supernatural world)
Crash
Supporting
Jared's loyal best friend and fellow weed dealer.
Crash is Jared's best friend, a loyal and often comedic presence. He is aware of Jared's drug dealing and chaotic home life, providing a consistent, if sometimes exasperated, source of support. Crash is initially oblivious to the supernatural elements, attributing Jared's strange behavior to drugs or stress. His reactions and observations serve as a grounding force, reflecting the human perspective amidst the growing fantastical elements. He cares deeply for Jared, often worrying about his well-being.
Relationships: Jared (His best friend and business partner in weed cookies); Richie (Their mutual friend)
Auntie Mave
Supporting
An elder Haisla witch and Maggie's trusted friend.
Auntie Mave is an elder Haisla witch and a close friend of Maggie. She is a powerful and wise figure who helps Maggie guide Jared through his supernatural awakening. Mave provides crucial knowledge about Haisla magic, the spirit world, and the Trickster's nature. She is a source of ancient wisdom and practical magical training, helping Jared understand and control his burgeoning powers. Her presence reinforces the cultural and traditional roots of the supernatural elements in the story.
Relationships: Maggie (Her trusted friend and fellow witch); Jared (Her apprentice in Haisla magic)
Nana Sophia
Supporting
Jared's maternal grandmother, who always sensed his non-human nature.
Nana Sophia is Jared's maternal grandmother. From a young age, she has been suspicious of Jared, often telling him he is the 'son of a trickster' and 'not human.' While Jared initially dismisses her comments as the ramblings of an eccentric old woman, her words are eventually revealed to be prophetic, stemming from her awareness of Maggie's past and Jared's true lineage. She represents the ancestral knowledge and the long-held secrets within the family.
Relationships: Jared (Her grandson, whose non-human nature she instinctively recognizes); Maggie (Her daughter)
Phil
Supporting
Jared's unreliable stepfather, who is oblivious to the supernatural.
Phil is Jared's stepfather, a largely absent and unreliable figure who has started a new family. He struggles to provide financial support and is often overwhelmed by Maggie's chaotic behavior. Phil is completely oblivious to the supernatural world that Jared and Maggie inhabit, representing the mundane human reality that Jared is trying to balance with his emerging powers. His lack of awareness highlights the isolation Jared feels in his new reality.
Relationships: Jared (His stepson); Maggie (His ex-partner)
Son of a Trickster Themes
Identity and Self-Discovery
The novel explores Jared's struggle to define himself amidst a chaotic home life, drug use, and the sudden revelation of his supernatural heritage. He questions being 'the son of a trickster,' wondering if he is human or something else. His journey is about reconciling his everyday life with his magic, understanding his place between two worlds, and accepting the complex parts of his identity. This shows as he learns to control his powers while protecting his human friends.
“You’re the son of a trickster, boy. You ain’t human.”
Family Dysfunction and Love
Jared's family is dysfunctional, with his mother's alcoholism and violence, his father's unreliability, and constant financial problems. Yet, beneath the chaos, there is a strong, though complicated, sense of love and loyalty. Jared tries to care for his family, and Maggie, despite her flaws, fiercely protects him. The supernatural revelations add more complexity, showing old conflicts and powerful bonds that go beyond human understanding. This love, however messy, drives Jared's actions.
“My mother could heal me with her spit, but mostly she just hurt me.”
Indigenous Spirituality and Folklore
The novel weaves Haisla and Heiltsuk folklore and spirituality into the story, going beyond a simple urban fantasy setting. The Trickster, Wee'git, is a main character, and witches, spirits, and traditional magic are central to the plot. This theme explores the power and relevance of Indigenous belief systems today. It shows how old stories and spiritual practices continue to shape reality for characters like Jared and Maggie. It is a re-imagining and revitalization of cultural narratives.
“The Trickster is never what you expect. He’s always playing games.”
Coming of Age in a Challenging World
Jared's journey is a coming-of-age story, made more intense by extreme circumstances. He must mature quickly, taking on adult responsibilities at a young age, from dealing drugs to caring for his family. The added layer of supernatural powers and threats speeds up this process, pushing him to confront questions about morality, power, and his place in the world. He navigates adolescence while learning to be a hero in a hidden war, forcing him to grow up fast.
“I was just a kid trying to get by, and now I was fighting monsters.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Trickster Archetype
A central figure embodying chaos, creation, and transformation.
The Trickster, Wee'git, serves as both Jared's biological father and the primary antagonist. This archetype, deeply rooted in Indigenous oral traditions, embodies duality—he is a creator and a destroyer, a bringer of wisdom and chaos. His presence drives much of the conflict and Jared's personal journey, as Jared struggles with inheriting his father's unpredictable and powerful nature. The Trickster's role is not just as a villain, but as a force of change and a mirror reflecting Jared's own emerging, wilder self.
First-Person Narrative with Internal Monologue
Provides intimate access to Jared's thoughts, humor, and confusion.
The story is told entirely from Jared's perspective, offering readers unfiltered access to his sarcastic humor, deep compassion, and profound confusion as he navigates his chaotic life and the burgeoning supernatural world. This intimate viewpoint allows the reader to experience his drug-induced haze, his fear, and his growing understanding directly. The internal monologue is crucial for understanding his rationalizations for the strange events and his eventual acceptance of his identity, making his transformation deeply personal and relatable.
Folkloric Creatures and Magic
Integrating traditional Haisla spirits and witchcraft into a contemporary setting.
The novel populates its world with creatures drawn directly from Haisla folklore, such as the cannibalistic river otter (Wee'git in his animal form) and the Owl-Man. This device grounds the fantastical elements in a specific cultural context, making them feel ancient and authentic rather than generic. The magic practiced by Maggie and Auntie Mave is also rooted in Haisla traditions, involving specific rituals and knowledge passed down through generations. This integration enriches the world-building and reinforces the theme of Indigenous spirituality.
Blackouts and Visions
A narrative technique to introduce and foreshadow supernatural events.
Jared frequently experiences blackouts and vivid, disturbing visions (talking ravens, monstrous figures) which he initially attributes to drug use. These serve as a key plot device to introduce the supernatural elements gradually and to create suspense. The blackouts are eventually revealed to be manifestations of his uncontrolled trickster powers, foreshadowing his true heritage and the power he possesses. They also create a sense of disorientation and unreliable narration, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination for both Jared and the reader.
Son of a Trickster Quotes
“Magic is just another word for the things we don't understand yet.”
“You can't outrun your past, but you can learn to live with it.”
“Sometimes the monsters are the ones who love you.”
“Being a trickster means you're always walking a line between chaos and creation.”
“The world doesn't make sense, and that's okay.”
“You don't choose your family, but you can choose how to survive them.”
“Pain is a teacher, but it's a shitty one.”
“Magic isn't about power; it's about connection.”
“Sometimes the only way out is through.”
“Home is where the weirdness is.”
“You can't fix everything, but you can try to make it better.”
“The trick is to keep moving, even when you don't know where you're going.”
“Love is messy, but it's worth the cleanup.”
“You're not defined by your mistakes, but by what you do after them.”
“Sometimes the magic is in the ordinary.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the name of Jared's pit bull that dies early in the novel?
- Baby
- Killer
- Raven
- Trickster
Show answer
A. Baby Jared's pit bull is named Baby Killer, but he affectionately calls her 'Baby'. Her death is a significant early event that highlights Jared's loneliness and loss of one of his few reliable sources of companionship.
Question 2
What does Jared do to earn money in the novel?
- He works at a fast-food restaurant
- He sells weed cookies
- He delivers newspapers
- He repairs cars
Show answer
B. He sells weed cookies Jared is known for making and selling weed cookies, which are described as 'the best cookies in town'. This activity reflects his resourcefulness and the gritty, survivalist aspects of his life.
Question 3
What supernatural ability does Jared begin to experience, even when sober?
- He can see ghosts
- He can shapeshift
- Ravens speak to him
- He can predict the future
Show answer
C. Ravens speak to him Jared hears ravens speaking to him, which is one of the early hints that he is not entirely human and is connected to indigenous trickster mythology, as suggested by his grandmother.
Question 4
Why does Jared's maternal grandmother claim he is 'the son of a trickster'?
- Because he is always playing pranks on people
- Because she believes his father is a supernatural trickster figure
- Because he is good at deceiving others
- Because he has a talent for magic tricks
Show answer
B. Because she believes his father is a supernatural trickster figure Jared's grandmother dislikes him and asserts that he is not human because she believes his father is a trickster, a supernatural being from indigenous folklore, which ties into the novel's blending of everyday life with myth.
Question 5
What is a major challenge Jared faces in his family life?
- He has to take care of his elderly neighbors
- He feels responsible for stabilizing his family despite being only sixteen
- He is trying to reunite his divorced parents
- He is raising his younger siblings alone
Show answer
B. He feels responsible for stabilizing his family despite being only sixteen Jared struggles with the burden of feeling he must support his unstable mother, unreliable father, and others, which is a central theme of his coming-of-age story and highlights his compassion and resilience.
Question 6
Which of the following best describes Jared's mother in the novel?
- A strict and disciplined parent
- Often wasted and wielding weapons, making her scary to others
- A successful businesswoman who neglects Jared
- A supportive and nurturing figure
Show answer
B. Often wasted and wielding weapons, making her scary to others Jared's mom is depicted as a mess, frequently intoxicated and violent, which contributes to Jared's unstable home life and his need to fend for himself, adding to the novel's exploration of family dynamics.
Question 7
What does Jared sometimes experience that adds to his confusion and struggles?
- He has vivid dreams about his future
- He blacks out
- He hears voices telling him to do bad things
- He loses his memory completely
Show answer
B. He blacks out Jared blacks out at times, which is one of the mysterious elements that hint at his supernatural heritage and adds to the tension in his life as he tries to maintain control.
Question 8
How does the novel blend genres, as indicated in the description?
- It combines science fiction with historical fiction
- It mixes everyday teen life with indigenous beliefs and fantasy elements
- It merges romance with adventure
- It integrates mystery with comedy
Show answer
B. It mixes everyday teen life with indigenous beliefs and fantasy elements The book is described as blending humour with heartbreak in a coming-of-age story that juxtaposes ordinary teenage experiences with indigenous mythology, such as tricksters and cannibalistic river otters, creating a unique fantasy-realist hybrid.
Question 9
What role does Jared's father play in his life?
- He is a constant source of emotional support for Jared
- He is unreliable and fails to provide consistent financial or emotional support
- He is actively involved in Jared's daily activities
- He is a trickster figure who guides Jared spiritually
Show answer
B. He is unreliable and fails to provide consistent financial or emotional support Jared's dad is depicted as irresponsible, unable to pay bills or support his new family, which forces Jared to take on adult responsibilities and deepens his sense of isolation and burden.
Question 10
Which element from the book's description highlights its incorporation of indigenous folklore?
- Jared's skill at making cookies
- The mention of cannibalistic river otters
- Jared's blackouts
- His mother's alcoholism
Show answer
B. The mention of cannibalistic river otters The reference to 'cannibalistic river otter' in the description points to the novel's use of indigenous mythological creatures, integrating them into the narrative to enrich the fantasy aspects and cultural context.
Son of a Trickster FAQ
What is 'Son of a Trickster' about?
'Son of a Trickster' follows Jared, a 16-year-old Indigenous teen in Kitimat, British Columbia, who navigates poverty, family dysfunction, and his emerging supernatural abilities. While dealing with his alcoholic mother, absent father, and dead pit bull Baby, Jared discovers he might be the son of a trickster figure, as ravens speak to him and he experiences mysterious blackouts.
Why should I read 'Son of a Trickster'?
This novel offers a unique blend of gritty realism and Indigenous mythology, with Jared's coming-of-age story exploring themes of resilience, family, and cultural identity. Robinson's sharp humor and emotional depth make it compelling for readers interested in contemporary Indigenous literature and fantasy grounded in real-world struggles.
What is the background/setting of 'Son of a Trickster'?
Set in the small industrial town of Kitimat, British Columbia, the story unfolds in a working-class Indigenous community where Jared lives with his volatile mother. The setting reflects the economic hardships and cultural tensions of modern Haisla life, with the natural landscape often hinting at supernatural elements beneath the surface.
What are the most memorable quotes?
Notable quotes include Jared's reflection, 'You think you know Jared, but you don't,' highlighting his hidden depths, and his grandmother's ominous warning, 'He's the son of a trickster, that he isn't human.' Another is Jared's simple, poignant thought about his pit bull: 'He can't rely on anyone for consistent love and support, except for his flatulent pit bull, Baby Killer (he calls her Baby)--and now she's dead.'
What writing style does the author use?
Eden Robinson employs a direct, conversational prose style that blends dark humor with raw emotional honesty. The narrative is tightly focused on Jared's perspective, using vivid, sensory details to ground the supernatural elements in everyday teen experiences, creating a seamless mix of realism and fantasy.
What minor details add significant meaning?
Jared's skill at baking weed cookies symbolizes his role as a caretaker in a dysfunctional world, while the death of his pit bull Baby represents his loss of innocence and sole source of unconditional love. The ravens that speak to him, even when sober, subtly foreshadow his connection to Indigenous trickster mythology long before it's fully revealed.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Early scenes where Jared blacks out or feels unusually attuned to animals hint at his supernatural heritage. His grandmother's coldness and cryptic comments about him not being human are repeated clues, and the cannibalistic river otter mentioned in the summary appears as a menacing presence that challenges Jared's understanding of reality.
What unexpected character connections exist?
Jared's mother, despite her alcoholism and violence, shares a deep, troubled bond with him rooted in their shared supernatural lineage. His absent father's new family creates a parallel dynamic that contrasts with Jared's isolation, and his elderly neighbors rely on him in ways that mirror his desired but missing parental support.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Jared's mother drinks partly to numb the trauma of knowing her son's true nature, while Jared himself seeks stability and love through caretaking others to compensate for his own neglect. His grandmother's hostility stems from fear and protection, as she understands the dangers of his trickster heritage better than anyone.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Jared embodies the conflict between teenage vulnerability and premature adulthood, grappling with depression and supernatural confusion. His mother displays cycles of aggression and remorse, reflecting addiction and maternal guilt, while secondary characters like his father show how avoidance can masquerade as responsibility.
What are the major emotional turning points?
Baby's death shatters Jared's last safe haven, forcing him to confront his loneliness. Discovering his trickster heritage through encounters with supernatural beings shifts his identity crisis from personal to mythical. Moments where his mother briefly sobers up offer glimmers of hope, only to be dashed by relapses, deepening his resilience.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
Jared's relationship with his mother deteriorates as her addiction worsens, yet he never abandons her, highlighting his compassion. His bond with his grandmother moves from distrust to a tense alliance as supernatural threats emerge. Interactions with friends and neighbors show Jared increasingly isolated as his differences become more apparent.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The exact nature of Jared's trickster abilities and his father's identity are left unclear, inviting interpretation. The cannibalistic river otter's role and the full extent of the supernatural world are only hinted at, setting up for the trilogy's later books. Jared's future and whether he'll embrace or reject his heritage remain unresolved.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
Jared's drug use and cookie-selling, while portrayed as coping mechanisms, spark debate about moral ambiguity in survival. His mother's violent, neglectful parenting is depicted without sugarcoating, challenging readers to sympathize with her flaws. The blending of Indigenous spirituality with dark fantasy elements may unsettle some expecting traditional lore.
'Son of a Trickster' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The novel ends with Jared beginning to accept his supernatural identity after confrontations with mythical beings, though his daily struggles persist. It suggests his journey is just starting, balancing the harsh realities of his human life with the looming responsibilities of his trickster lineage, setting the stage for the trilogy's continuation.
About the author
Eden Robinson is a celebrated Indigenous Canadian author known for her visceral and darkly humorous explorations of identity and culture. Her critically acclaimed novels, including 'Monkey Beach' and the Trickster series ('Son of a Trickster,' 'Savage Conversations,' 'Return of the Trickster'), have earned her numerous accolades. Robinson's work often blends realism with elements of magical realism and Indigenous folklore.
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