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kiwi_of_serenity's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There were phrases in this book that would just stick in my head, and characters that I couldn’t help admiring. The non-linear storytelling wasn’t confusing, and it kept me trying to piece everything together. The prose was innovative but clear, and the characters had distinct voices. I especially liked Lipsha’s narratives and will have to read the sequel about him. I’m reserving a few half stars only because I wasn’t mind blown or teary at any point, but I expect that this could be a book (like Poisonwood Bible) that comes to mean more and more as time goes on, and/or as I discuss it with others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Suicide
Minor: Domestic abuse and Rape
evangelinew's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such interesting and compelling characters. Matter of fact, everything about this book is incredible. The setting, the conflicts, the prose in general. Erdrich has one of the most unique voices I’ve ever read, which allows her to beautifully articulate ideas I’ve always felt but never understood. These stories center around generational trauma, loss, suffering, and much more dark topics many native people face. It offered a window into a world I’ve never fully understood, despite the fact that it takes place within miles of my own home. Beautiful and compelling, though definitely not happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicide, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Car accident, Murder, War, and Classism
Minor: Dementia
literarygrimalkin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, and Suicide
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This is about generational trauma and each chapter reads as a short story. I struggled with this one, as it was incredibly slow to get through in some perspectives. However, I have enjoyed enough of Louise's other work. I still don't know that I'd really recommend this one though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Racism, Rape, and Grief
darcyparcy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A family drama coupled with the traumas of being Native American in post-colonial America. The connections between the characters can be confusing at first, but once you're familiar with the family tree, the relationships blossom into complex, realistic, and nuanced dynamics between an even more dynamic cast of characters.
My only note is that there is a graphic scene involving SA about halfway through the book.
My only note is that there is a graphic scene involving SA about halfway through the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, and Rape
jordan21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What initially reads as a collection of short stories evolves into a highly detailed, multi-generational narrative about the dysfunctions and mysteries of an indigenous family line. This book grabbed my attention from the cover and kept it until the last sentence. The shift of who I thought was the “main character” and who actually was took me by surprise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Domestic abuse
cleome37i's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Colonisation
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
The character work and relationships in this book are stunning. I had trouble following all of the different dynamics at play, but I think that’s just cause I was reading too quickly.
Was it really necessary to use the n-word in that one passage? Cause yikes.
Definitely glad to have finally read something by Louise Erdrich, and I will be checking out more of her work!
Was it really necessary to use the n-word in that one passage? Cause yikes.
Definitely glad to have finally read something by Louise Erdrich, and I will be checking out more of her work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Murder, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
christalbotheindl's review against another edition
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Infidelity, Racism, Rape, and Sexual assault
pi_a_la_mode's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Slow start, but Erdrich’s beautiful prose pulls the reader in and once enevloped in the embrace of her story, all its beauty unfolds in page after page.
Erdrich follows the Kashpaws and Lamartines through three generations. The timeline was sometimes difficult to follow as memories unfolded outside the designated year titling each chapter, and the cast of characters is extensive (thankfully a family tree helps with keeping track of everyone and their connections).
Told in vignettes that could each be stand alone stories, the total sum of the families’ stories creates a rich portrait. Complex and moving, each and every emotion leaping off the page in its turn. Each of these characters will tug at your heartstrings, some will break them.
Erdrich follows the Kashpaws and Lamartines through three generations. The timeline was sometimes difficult to follow as memories unfolded outside the designated year titling each chapter, and the cast of characters is extensive (thankfully a family tree helps with keeping track of everyone and their connections).
Told in vignettes that could each be stand alone stories, the total sum of the families’ stories creates a rich portrait. Complex and moving, each and every emotion leaping off the page in its turn. Each of these characters will tug at your heartstrings, some will break them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Racism