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kaypapin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
alixgb's review
3.0
I read this book on the way out and back from the east coast. It was a good, short read, but I don't know if I'd seek it out. It was written from several different character perspectives, divided by chapter. They did not necessarily come together in any specific way, but gave a good array of viewpoints on colonialism and the Ojibwe tribe.
ericgaryanderson's review
4.0
Louise Erdrich does it again. If you've read Tracks, you should read this one, too, and of course The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse. I would've given this one five stars if anyone other than Erdrich had written it; but, in comparison with the other two aforementioned novels, it's just a wee tad less sparkling.
adventurebybook's review
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sittingwishingreading's review
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
lostinanovelidea's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aishathebibliophile's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
joaniesaltzman's review
5.0
The back of this book is a little misleading, but the content inside is probably even better than what I was promised. The back of the book will have you believe the novel is exclusively about Fleur Pillager and her attempt at revenge, but it never mentions the interwoven plotline about Nanapush and the revenge he seeks in his old rival, Shesheeb, and the revenge Nanapush and his wife seek to exact upon each other. Remembering (and loving) Nanapush from Tracks and The Last Report on the Miracle at Little No Horse, I was delighted to find him take such a prominent role in this novel.
The novel itself is told from the perspectives of Nanapush, Polly Elizabeth Gheen (a relative of the man Fleur seeks vengeance upon), and Margaret (Nanapush's wife), but never Fleur herself, which I appreciate, because it lends to the air of formidable mystery built around Fleur in every other novel in the Ojibwe cycle. Through the voices of these different characters, a story unfold about revenge and sorrow, but also about enduring love and healing transformation. I think most of Erdrich's book have a core that is about life and hope, despite the darkness that she explores, but Four Souls is, unexpectedly, one of the books where this core is most clear.
In addition to its wonderful story and clear heart, this book certainly employs some of Erdrich's most beautiful language. This is definitely one of Erdrich's most masterful works. If I didn't love "The Last Report" above all else, I'd call this my favorite.
The novel itself is told from the perspectives of Nanapush, Polly Elizabeth Gheen (a relative of the man Fleur seeks vengeance upon), and Margaret (Nanapush's wife), but never Fleur herself, which I appreciate, because it lends to the air of formidable mystery built around Fleur in every other novel in the Ojibwe cycle. Through the voices of these different characters, a story unfold about revenge and sorrow, but also about enduring love and healing transformation. I think most of Erdrich's book have a core that is about life and hope, despite the darkness that she explores, but Four Souls is, unexpectedly, one of the books where this core is most clear.
In addition to its wonderful story and clear heart, this book certainly employs some of Erdrich's most beautiful language. This is definitely one of Erdrich's most masterful works. If I didn't love "The Last Report" above all else, I'd call this my favorite.
allybrisbin's review
4.0
I love how Louise Erdrich writes, her words always transport me! This was a fun and quick read -- I liked the perspectives from the different characters. With each chapter I was hoping to get one from Fleur's point of view, right up until the end, but alas we never do get her side of things.