Reviews

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

bmpicc's review against another edition

challenging emotional 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? No

4.0

A lot of characters, however the short chapters helped me keep sane as I sorted them all out. By the end, they were each so real to me. I was very impressed with Erdrich's writing and storytelling. I appreciate that this was inspired by her grandfather's life. There is a lot we can learn from others if we are willing to listen.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Sexual assault, and Trafficking

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 against another edition

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

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 against another edition

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.

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 against another edition

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.

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 against another edition

slow-paced

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