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happylilkt's review against another edition
4.0
First half - 4.5 stars
Second half - 3 stars
Final rating: 3.5 stars
This is the first Erdrich novel I have finished (I started [b:Future Home of the Living God|34217599|Future Home of the Living God|Louise Erdrich|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1499188017l/34217599._SY75_.jpg|55268475] a few years ago and didn't finish it before I had to return it to the library). I read it as part of a Native American literature(s) class I was taking in the summer of 2022.
This was an engaging novel, richly capturing a singular time and place through many perspectives. The characterization was done broadly, which comes with some downsides, but I didn't dislike the approach. I absolutely loved the first half of the novel, but the second half felt more disjointed and I was especially disappointed in some of the character development (or lack thereof).
Regardless, for its importance as a historical novel, I can see why it won the Pulitzer, though perhaps it was more of a nod to Erdrich's stature as a writer. I will definitely be reading more Erdrich.
For those who like listening to audiobooks, the performance by the author is fantastic. (I alternately read and listened.)
Note: contains some sexual content
Second half - 3 stars
Final rating: 3.5 stars
This is the first Erdrich novel I have finished (I started [b:Future Home of the Living God|34217599|Future Home of the Living God|Louise Erdrich|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1499188017l/34217599._SY75_.jpg|55268475] a few years ago and didn't finish it before I had to return it to the library). I read it as part of a Native American literature(s) class I was taking in the summer of 2022.
This was an engaging novel, richly capturing a singular time and place through many perspectives. The characterization was done broadly, which comes with some downsides, but I didn't dislike the approach. I absolutely loved the first half of the novel, but the second half felt more disjointed and I was especially disappointed in some of the character development (or lack thereof).
Regardless, for its importance as a historical novel, I can see why it won the Pulitzer, though perhaps it was more of a nod to Erdrich's stature as a writer. I will definitely be reading more Erdrich.
For those who like listening to audiobooks, the performance by the author is fantastic. (I alternately read and listened.)
Note: contains some sexual content
sainte_v's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
abenetcarpenter's review against another edition
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
hannahconner's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.75
sibarrola's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
onmywaytobefamous's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Patrice and her family, especially Zhaanat. I wanted more Thomas. He's the night watchman, after all, and his story is a fascinating one, and I wanted even more of a focus on his efforts to save his community. I loved getting to know all the different characters, though I could have done with less focus on Barnes and the Mormons.