Reviews

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

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jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

Fabulous historical fiction based on the true story of the author's grandfather.

In the early 1950's Thomas Wazhask works as the night watchman at a jewel bearing factory in North Dakota. The factory is located near the Turtle Mountain Reservation where many area members of the Chippewa tribe live. Thomas is on the Chippewa Council is trying to figure out how the new Emancipation bill in the US Congress will impact his people. The bill threatens the tribes rights to their name and their land. Thomas and his fellow council members work to stop this bill from passing. The story also follows Patrice "Pixie" Paranteau, a young Chippewa woman who was valedictorian of her high school class and now works at the jewel bearing factory and barely makes ends meet on her meager pay. She dreams of moving to the big city (Minneapolis) to live with her older sister.

This novel was so good and really shone a light of the mistreatment of Native Americans by the US Government even as recently as the mid 20th century. (though we know there's been mistreatment more recently with the Dakota Access Pipeline) The characters came alive on the pages, as is usually the case in Erdrich novels. We see people living on the edge of poverty who still have hope for their future and fighting for the rights of their people.

Highly recommend!

What to listen to while reading...
Working Class Hero by John Lennon
1953 by The National Parks
Faith by Bon Iver
You Got to Run by Buffy Saint-Marie
Let's Hop to It by Chippewa Travellers

onmywaytobefamous's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

armstrwa's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad slow-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? No

4.0

beanpod's review against another edition

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4.0

I know it is an incredible work, but I ran hot, then cold, then back again while reading this. So much was vivid, but other parts seemed more slapped together. Several characters seemed too play no part and I think the story would have flowed better without them. That said, Erdrich is a gift. Her writing is fluid and a joy.

maddiewagner's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic. Captures so many story lines and important historical and individual events but presented as a very cohesive story. Many sad and traumatic events and experiences are captured including MMIWR, boarding schools, alcoholism but with wonderful moments too.