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kmeents's review against another edition
4.0
3.5-4*. The writing and story were so beautiful, and this book was such an unexpected find from a German YouTuber recommendation of all places! The story had a bit of an unfinished feeling, and the transitions to the different story lines were so abrupt I really had to pay attention, but overall, I really enjoyed it!
amandahollander26's review against another edition
4.0
Louise Erdrich through and through-- wonderful story-telling that includes some of our favorite characters along with some great New England ones as well.
rhughes7's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book because I really enjoyed Erdrich’s memoir Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country, and found her voice intimately honest. In the Painted Drum, however, I was struck by a strangely jerky and disconnected tone. The story is told through different narrators, who do not initially seem to fit together, but are all impacted by the drum. I thought the connections were a little bit loose, which made for a series of short stories rather than a cohesive narrative. At first I did not like the book at all, but about two thirds of the way through, the plot picked up and I found it more enjoyable by the end.
tashabye's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
I did it, I completed the Love Medicine series! I really enjoyed most of the books, just one didn't really grab my attention so overall, a beautifully written series of books.
This one started off dark and depressing and I can't say that really ever changed but there was certainly hope at the end so it's worth reading. Once we got into the history of the drum and the people involved, I was finally more engaged although I didn't connect as much to these characters as to previous Love Medicine characters. A couple people from the other books were mentioned though and it was nice to reconnect with them, if even for just a little while. I enjoyed this ending to the series.
This one started off dark and depressing and I can't say that really ever changed but there was certainly hope at the end so it's worth reading. Once we got into the history of the drum and the people involved, I was finally more engaged although I didn't connect as much to these characters as to previous Love Medicine characters. A couple people from the other books were mentioned though and it was nice to reconnect with them, if even for just a little while. I enjoyed this ending to the series.
urfavpunk's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Cultural appropriation, and Alcohol
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content
candelibri's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
susanbevans's review against another edition
5.0
I must say, Louise Erdrich is a gifted storyteller - a true master of the written word! Her descriptions allow the reader to fall into the pages of the story and become engrossed in the lives of the characters. The Painted Drum gives the reader a lot to think about - mysticism and tribal lore, spirituality and the natural world, life and the eventuality of death - you will be haunted by this novel long after you have put it down.
With exquisite descriptions and poetry, Louise Erdrich has captured my imagination again. I will be on the look out for her other novels at the library and bookstore. The Painted Drum is truly inspired and beautiful.
With exquisite descriptions and poetry, Louise Erdrich has captured my imagination again. I will be on the look out for her other novels at the library and bookstore. The Painted Drum is truly inspired and beautiful.
aniss's review against another edition
4.0
The last two chapters took off on their own, lovely way to tell a story.
brookepalmer796's review against another edition
1.0
I really like the beginning, I thought Faye was a great character with an interesting story and the writing was compelling, but that only lasted for a short time.
Then there was a choppy change in perspective and narration. If I would have known that the bulk of this book would end up being about selfish, pitiful, drunken Indians, I would have never picked it up. I don't understand why authors that seem to care about Native Americans portray them in such an unflattering light. Not every Indian fits these stereotypes and the story could have been told without a mother literally throwing her daughter to the wolves.
Then there was a choppy change in perspective and narration. If I would have known that the bulk of this book would end up being about selfish, pitiful, drunken Indians, I would have never picked it up. I don't understand why authors that seem to care about Native Americans portray them in such an unflattering light. Not every Indian fits these stereotypes and the story could have been told without a mother literally throwing her daughter to the wolves.
tinaathena's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so beautiful and generous. Motherhood and existence and how we are all just meat. Just so good.