A review by sahanac
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

challenging dark emotional informative 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

4.0

The Night Watchman was a book I read for a book club and I frankly knew nothing about the plot before I started - I began reading and closed the book pretty quickly. But then, determined to finish, I listened to Louise Erdrich narrate this title on audio, and I have to say how much it enhanced the experience - getting to hear the Chippewa spoken was an incredible experience, and really made the story more immersive. The story ebbs and flows, and I think following the actual historical fact of her grandfather's experience held Erdrich back on delving deeper into Thomas' character, but Patrice's story, as she moved from the reservation to the city and back home again. The way Indian-ness was woven into the fabric of each character's being and the fundamental interactions of society on the reservation and off were powerful when Erdrich voiced it, and the story was made so much more meaningful when heard through her voice. I am not often a fan of author's reading their own works - they write the stories, but are not always good at translating that to a meaningful audiobook experience. But Erdrich made it really work.