Play Book Tag discussion

Every Louise Erdrich book I read seems better than the last, which won’t show in my ratings because they were all 5 stars. I think there is a cumulative effect. Everything I learn in one book adds to a rich background that will help me to enjoy the next one. Her characters are well developed and complex. Her stories deal with both big issues, and the small details of life that reveal the nuances of the characters and the cultures in which they live. Her writing is tender, intelligent and insightful.

The story involves an Ojibwa family, and how they are all affected when the mother is attacked. She cannot say exactly where she was attacked (creating jurisdictional confusion), so both local and tribal investigators work the case, along with her husband (a judge) - and her 13 year old son Joe. As you might expect from a teenager, his investigation doesn’t always help. The story is told from Joe’s POV. We learn a lot about Joes life, interests and friends, and it’s hard not to love him, no matter what. The book shows a fascinating and realistic view of how a woman might retreat from life following a rape, and the ways that a family might react. I had a lot of respect for Joe’s father and mother and for the ways that they protected others. There were several other memorable characters in this book as well. I was a bit mad at myself for waiting so long to read this book, but I think I appreciated things now that I might not have noticed if I read it when it first came out.

I loved this one. It is my favorite of those I've read from Erdrich.

I think this is my favorite too. It would make an interesting pairing with To Kill a Mockingbird, as it also includes a child learning about fighting for what's right even when the system is stacked against you.

Have you read The Night Watchman yet? The fathers in these two books are strong, patient, and committed to their community. I didn’t feel as emotionally connected, but the historical content makes it an impressive book.