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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.
ajesq's review against another edition
2.0
On recommendation from Danielle.
Ok, now that I'm finished...it starts out slow, but is worth reading through Part 1 and on to Parts 2 and 3 - they're the better sections.
Ok, now that I'm finished...it starts out slow, but is worth reading through Part 1 and on to Parts 2 and 3 - they're the better sections.
mayalaurent's review against another edition
2.0
I stuck with this book even though I so badly wanted to quit it many times. The story that unfolds within the last 60 pages was wonderful but everything else left me wanting more meat to the story instead of constant description. I love a detailed story in which I can truly feel the story coming to life, however, when that's all the plot seems to be, without a story developing until the end, it becomes hard to read.
amyrhoda's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. No, four. No, 3.5.
The Painted Drum is really three stories joined by one object, an elaborate Ojibwe ceremonial drum which turns up in a New Hampshire attic. The first story is that of the estate appraiser who discovers the drum in the attic; the second is of the man who made the drum; and the third is of a struggling single mother whose daughter is drawn to the drum in a time of desperation.
This is a good book, and an easy read. The characters are rich and interesting, and the relationships among them are vibrant. The plot moves along steadily: lots of stuff happens, there are secrets unveiled and connections made which reward patient and attentive reading. Lots of ideas are explored: identity, poverty, ownership, spirituality.
I am about talking myself into a four-star rating for this book, it's got so much juice in it. I didn't give it four to start with because, while I enjoyed it immensely, it didn't grab me in the gut. But sometimes I wonder how much that kind of visceral reaction has to do with my state of mind when I read a book, rather than the book itself. I think this might be a four-star book for me if I'd read it at a different time.
The Painted Drum is really three stories joined by one object, an elaborate Ojibwe ceremonial drum which turns up in a New Hampshire attic. The first story is that of the estate appraiser who discovers the drum in the attic; the second is of the man who made the drum; and the third is of a struggling single mother whose daughter is drawn to the drum in a time of desperation.
This is a good book, and an easy read. The characters are rich and interesting, and the relationships among them are vibrant. The plot moves along steadily: lots of stuff happens, there are secrets unveiled and connections made which reward patient and attentive reading. Lots of ideas are explored: identity, poverty, ownership, spirituality.
I am about talking myself into a four-star rating for this book, it's got so much juice in it. I didn't give it four to start with because, while I enjoyed it immensely, it didn't grab me in the gut. But sometimes I wonder how much that kind of visceral reaction has to do with my state of mind when I read a book, rather than the book itself. I think this might be a four-star book for me if I'd read it at a different time.
jeagabel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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