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melvankomen's review against another edition
A beautiful book. Horses, the American West and four enigmatic and symbolic characters intersect. The author does a fine job of delineating the conflicts native to the Badlands. I found the characters incredibly interesting and thought-provoking.
My only problem with the book was also one of its strengths. The author is so masterful at evoking the place and feel of the setting that it seemed he did not know when to quit. There was just too much (gorgeous) description to wade through to find the plot.
My only problem with the book was also one of its strengths. The author is so masterful at evoking the place and feel of the setting that it seemed he did not know when to quit. There was just too much (gorgeous) description to wade through to find the plot.
mistercope's review against another edition
5.0
Theoretically, if a book is written with enough skill, the subject matter won't be important. I picked this book up because I enjoy Western novels, but Meyers' writing is so good that it could have been about anything and I would have loved it. His settings are integral to the storyline and are characters of their own; his characters are expertly developed, dynamic, engaging, and so very real; the plot and subplots are delicate, complex and moving. This is not the book to pick up if you are looking for action (even moments of intense violence are reported with a kind of slow reverence), but this definitely is the book to pick up if you are looking to read something worth reading. The Work of Wolves is one of those books that you finish and then despair, knowing you will not be affected by a piece of literature in such a way for a long while. I finished it, stared at the wall for several long moments, then desperately Googled "If you liked The Work of Wolves..." If you have eyeballs and a brain, this book is a must read; I cannot recommend it highly enough. Definitely get this if you are a fan of horses, Westerns, Native Americans and their culture, Germany and its culture (especially during WWII), the cultures of other people in general, if you have ever heard of Goat Man, or if you like complex characters and plots. Meyers' writing style reminded me of David Guterson, so if you enjoy Guterson's writing, The Work of Wolves is worth picking up. This is one of the best books I've read.
sassyredca's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
milkklotz's review against another edition
5.0
Very well done how author weaves the lives of two Lakota youth, a German exchange student and a cowboy. This book has really started with me and given me much to think about.
apatrick's review against another edition
1.0
I'm so sorry I didn't like this book. I wanted to, because it was written by a Black Hills writer, but I just didn't. The story was threadbare and the dialect was hard to read and a poor reflection of how people talk where I grew up. It should be "You wanna go for a ride?" not, "You want a go for a ride?" That drove me crazy.
There were some good ideas that should have been more fully developed, like the Goat Man legend, and some ideas that probably belonged in another book, like all the Nazi stuff. Really, Meyers, your connection for these ideas is that a lot of Germans are interested in Lakota culture?
Reading this book made me want to read Dan Simmons' new book about the Black Hills, and I stumbled across a blurb somewhere recently that mentioned Ian Frazier's On the Rez, so I think I'll add that to my list.
There were some good ideas that should have been more fully developed, like the Goat Man legend, and some ideas that probably belonged in another book, like all the Nazi stuff. Really, Meyers, your connection for these ideas is that a lot of Germans are interested in Lakota culture?
Reading this book made me want to read Dan Simmons' new book about the Black Hills, and I stumbled across a blurb somewhere recently that mentioned Ian Frazier's On the Rez, so I think I'll add that to my list.
writewalker's review against another edition
4.0
I really wanted to give full stars but just some issues with telling rather than showing stayed my hand. It's as if the author had two books about this story inside him and he wanted us to read both at once. Overall, I would say I loved it.
williamc's review
5.0
Among The Work of Wolves's many assets is Author Meyers' brilliant use and injection of memory throughout the novel to connect characters and tie the narrative to more expansive themes within the book -- flashbacks and remembrances serve as ephemeral strings to pull the four boys central to the story together as awkward companions, to tie them better to their South Dakota histories, to the animals they encounter, to modern Lakota mythology, to the dark history of whites, and further beyond. The result is a dreamlike overlay and more literary intention to what would already be a successful story in its sparsity and constrained emotion. But a good author elevates, how ever spare their words, and Meyers lifts these lives of material simplicity to the height of local myths by making their character, integrity, and respect for the stories of the land around them feel more ethereal and rare.
thisgrrlreads's review against another edition
2.0
Extremely wordy and kind of slow. Which some people like. Just not me.
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