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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The story was fast-paced, but there were some pretty predictable plot points. Despite that, I enjoyed the characters and learning about Lakota traditions.
(Sep 2020 BOTM pick)
(Sep 2020 BOTM pick)
I loved the insight into life and crime on a reservation. It is a hard pill to swallow how badly the Native Americans have been let down, which is why pieces of art like this are so important. Keep putting this information out there and forcing those discussions to enact very necessary change. There were a few descriptions that were so well done I had to stop and ruminate. I wasn't as thrilled with the character development, I think more could have been done to create stronger characters. I also didn't totally love the twist at the end, it was fairly predictable. However, these pieces weren't what really makes this book so good - the writing was so well done and flowed so beautifully.
This was an okay book for me. It was predictable as I totally saw it coming, and so I was anxious to get there. It got there, but it felt like it took a long time.
dark
medium-paced
Virgil makes his living as a sort of paid vigilante. He lives in the Rosebud Reservation and he is all too familiar with the criminals in his community, that are getting away with heinous crimes,because of the police and FBIs refusal to get involved with the reservation's problems. He beats up sex offenders and wife beaters for cash but also, for the release of anger he holds against the Native roots he believes failed him in his time of need. When he learns that heroin has found its way onto the reservation he's hesitant to get involved, but when someone he loves has a near fatal brush with the drug, he feels he has no choice but to trackdown the vile gang responsible.
The strongest parts of this book were not necessarily the main driving plot but Virgil's wrestling with the spiritual aspects of his Lakota upbringing. He doesn't believe in the rituals or traditions of his people anymore and much as he tries to outrun the grips of this part of his Native identity, it is everywhere. The struggle this presents for Virgil affects him everyday. He loves his community but he cannot reconcile with every part of it. Anytime the book veered from this internalized plot to bring in action, I found myself being more interested in Virgil's internal struggle rather than his outward struggle. Eventually the two intersect and that was the story's sweet spot in my opinion!
It is worth mentioning that the Author's note at the very end should not be breezed over. There are resources the author recommended that I plan on checking out, as well as a breakdown of statistics regarding the amount of crime overlooked by local police forces and FBI. I learned a lot!
Content review: Most of the content in this book revolves around violence. There are fist fights, gun violence, and a couple gratuitously violent scenes toward the end of this book involving a cattle prod. drug use/ abuse/addiction, molestation, sexual assault and rape are all mentioned in passing. Death of a child due to neglect, infant death, fatal car accident, domestic violence, torture, racism and racial slurs are used often
The strongest parts of this book were not necessarily the main driving plot but Virgil's wrestling with the spiritual aspects of his Lakota upbringing. He doesn't believe in the rituals or traditions of his people anymore and much as he tries to outrun the grips of this part of his Native identity, it is everywhere. The struggle this presents for Virgil affects him everyday. He loves his community but he cannot reconcile with every part of it. Anytime the book veered from this internalized plot to bring in action, I found myself being more interested in Virgil's internal struggle rather than his outward struggle. Eventually the two intersect and that was the story's sweet spot in my opinion!
It is worth mentioning that the Author's note at the very end should not be breezed over. There are resources the author recommended that I plan on checking out, as well as a breakdown of statistics regarding the amount of crime overlooked by local police forces and FBI. I learned a lot!
Content review: Most of the content in this book revolves around violence. There are fist fights, gun violence, and a couple gratuitously violent scenes toward the end of this book involving a cattle prod. drug use/ abuse/addiction, molestation, sexual assault and rape are all mentioned in passing. Death of a child due to neglect, infant death, fatal car accident, domestic violence, torture, racism and racial slurs are used often
informative
lighthearted
tense
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
William Kent Krueger recommended this one when I saw him speak last week- a mystery written by a Native author who is a friend of his. It’s a great book with so many authentic characters and great twists. Looking forward to more.
dark
emotional
tense
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