Reviews

Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese

jojodoug55's review against another edition

3.0

Gorgeously written. The nature descriptions are sublime. I wanted a little more from the father-son dynamic, but I understand why it was simpler than I had expected. It makes sense. I would certainly read another book of Wagamese's.

lisamchuk's review against another edition

5.0

He is a master wordsmith, and this was a heartbreaking but beautiful journey.

jr2234's review against another edition

5.0

“‘Sometimes when things get taken away from you it feels like there’s a hole at your centre where you can feel the wind blow through, that’s sure,’ the old man said.

‘Whattaya do about that?’

‘Me, I always went to where the wind blows.’”

&

“The war became the knowledge that life can strip you raw, that some holes are never filled, some gaps not chinked, some chill winds relentless in their pitch and yowl.”

Wagamese is a born storyteller with a gift for crafting compelling stories. I loved this so much. The book touches on redemption and what it means to be forgiven, as well as the weight of secrets and the meaning of family. The characters and landscape were vividly detailed; you could sense the author had intimate knowledge of the subject area.

sandiet's review against another edition

5.0

Never disappointed with anything Richard Wagamese writes. His words are so heartfelt and touch me to the soul. Eldon Starlight's story is tragic and you wonder what he could have done differently to save himself from his own demons. A magnificent novel that I urge you to read in fact you can't go wrong with any of Mr. Wagamese's books.

prairiegirlreading's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cathsgraphs's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The very premise of this book made my heart ache and I was dreading the end. I almost didn't read it. I'm so glad I did. Wagamese was a very gifted writer. I could clearly see the scenes, the characters and I could feel their heart ache. I loved this book though it broke my heart. 

rebekahstuive's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

victoriafrost1991's review against another edition

4.0

An excellent novel. I found it slow at the beginning. However, from the middle onwards, it started to pick up momentum. A difficult and emotional read of a parent-child relationship filled with estrangement, anger, resentment, and search for solace.

ruth24's review against another edition

4.0

This book is so beautiful and moving. I loved the descriptions of nature and the landscape and the way the old man taught Franklin to connect with the world around him.

I love that Wagamese doesn't shy away from the real and the ugly. He paints people as they really are - complicated and flawed. This honest approach made me feel like the characters were living, breathing people. I enjoyed all the conflicting feelings I felt for Eldon and wrestling with the idea of forgiveness.

I feel like this is the type of book I'll continue to think about as time goes on. It gets 4 stars from me!

madbrad22's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.5