A review by juanitamfm
The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich

challenging emotional informative reflective slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

Overall I really loved parts of this book. The second and third parts were a lot more interesting…Unfortunately the author started and ended the story with the two less interesting (in my opinion) characters. But the storytelling was like a completely different book when it was coming from Bernard’s point of view. And also Ira’s and her kids story was so sad…I could’ve used some closure there as well…like I would’ve loved to hear the baby made a quick and full recovery. I would’ve liked to know if Ira actually did choose Morris, and how the girls were doing after they left the hospital. I thought there was going to be a lot more about the lady with the lip scar…also some family trees would’ve been super helpful in this book! 
I also wanted to see if there was going to be any consequences to  Faye stealing the drum that was never supposed to be stolen or sold”.  Her story was kind of boring…like I couldn’t get why she didn’t want to be with Krahe…and I thought there was going to be more about her sister’s story. Like after she finally got up off the ground…what happened at the hospital. How did her mom find out. Stuff like that.