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eric_peartree's review against another edition
informative
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? No
3.5
jmneil27's review against another edition
3.0
I might try and reread this one in the future, the audio was fine but just didn't keep my attention. The subject is very important and although this was fiction it is based on true events. I enjoyed the main protagonist in the novel and learning more about the history of indigenous people and their fight to maintain/keep their lands.
nabillatte's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
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
4.5
Some excellent characters in this work of historical fiction based on the experiences of Erdrich's Chippewa grandfather. Patrice, aka Pixie, is one of my favorite characters I've read in a while.
esquared's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
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? No
4.5
savaging's review
4.0
As an offering to ancestors, this is perfect. Really beautiful depiction of various members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa fighting for continued recognition as a people.
As a novel, there were times I was sort of bored or confused by the narrative lines -- the entire section centered around the 'waterjack' I found particularly baffling. But regardless, the characters are wonderful.
As a novel, there were times I was sort of bored or confused by the narrative lines -- the entire section centered around the 'waterjack' I found particularly baffling. But regardless, the characters are wonderful.
alifredson's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-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
4.25
kelsbishop's review
4.0
Giving this book a 3.5/5
I loved Erdrich’s formatting and writing and thought this book was a great dedication to her grandfather. Patrice and Zhaanat, Wood Mountain and baby Archille, Thomas and Roderick were all beautifully developed relationships. However the plot was a little uneven at times and some of the characters didn’t make sense (the Mormons or Haystack)
I could of read a whole book about Thomas, the muskrat, the owl and his friend Roderick. Such a phenomenal character and I wish the story revolved more around him than Patrice.
I loved Erdrich’s formatting and writing and thought this book was a great dedication to her grandfather. Patrice and Zhaanat, Wood Mountain and baby Archille, Thomas and Roderick were all beautifully developed relationships. However the plot was a little uneven at times and some of the characters didn’t make sense (the Mormons or Haystack)
I could of read a whole book about Thomas, the muskrat, the owl and his friend Roderick. Such a phenomenal character and I wish the story revolved more around him than Patrice.
cxppatee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
meghancrack's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
illtakethenightshiftx's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
Louise Erdrich is a master storyteller!! I love how she uses multiple points of view and blends elements of magical realism and things we can’t always see into the narrative. She creates a deep, rich setting which is highlighted by her characters. The characters she creates feel so real and I loved them all!! Every person I met in this book (and every other book I’ve read by her) felt like I could reach into the pages and shake their hand or run into them while getting coffee.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Rape, and Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abandonment, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
CW: discussion of indigenous boarding schools experience (moderate)