Reviews

Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich

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evangelinew's review

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

katiegilley's review against another edition

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5.0

Love Medicine was the first selection for a Louise Erdrich book club that I'm a part of. This was due to be finished in February, but I'm the worst book club member in the whole world. I started the book in January, put it aside because I had a difficult time finding my groove, the book discussion came and went, and I only picked it up again last week.

I was so confused for the first 150 pages or so and was just about to abandon the book altogether. And then something clicked for me and I could not put it down. I was riveted by the families Erdrich introduced us to and, once they began to take shape, couldn't let go of their stories. This is clearly foundational reading for all of Erdrich's future novels and I feel privileged to have read it. I can imagine myself referencing this book as I read more of her work.

(I have my next book club selection sitting on my desk as we speak. I am planning to be much more responsible for this one!)

peytondani's review against another edition

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3.0

for class. the structure was creative and the writing was beautiful but i couldn’t be less invested in the story. was really hard to get through.

bry_faye's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

miren's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced

3.5

juneno's review against another edition

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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

sharon333's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

samvanstokkom's review against another edition

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i stopped reading around page 255. i thought the beginning was very good, very interesting, well-written and enjoyable. but when i hit the middle section of this book i got sooooo bored. anyways this was the last book i had to read for uni so i can finally go back to reading books that i actually like

evareading's review against another edition

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funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rocks_and_mountians's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

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