Scan barcode
A review by bookmaddie
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.25
I've never read any Erdrich before, so shoutout to my cousin who gave me this book, and the Read What You Own [In Community] challenged hosted by @sitting.wishing.reading and @bookish.cori on IG for getting me to finally pick up a book by her! Because I loved it!
This reading experience was lovely—the short chapters drew me in and kept me reading, and Erdrich's way of storytelling is at once magical, approachable, and deeply felt. The magical moments and people's connections with nature were really beautiful rendered. It made me pause to wish I was reading this elsewhere, but also helped me feel more grounded in place while I was reading. I also loved how the story was based on the life of her own grandfather.
I do think Pixie/Patrice's story felt a little unresolved at the end, but I loved seeing her mature and learn about the world and herself—what she desired, what she wants from her life. The tribal community was really comforting in the way that they all cared for each other when times got tough, through gathering, visiting, or bringing along food or other necessities. It was a really warming experience to read about, especially as modern life can feel so isolating sometimes.
A gorgeous work, and I can't wait to dive in to Erdrich's backlist!
This reading experience was lovely—the short chapters drew me in and kept me reading, and Erdrich's way of storytelling is at once magical, approachable, and deeply felt. The magical moments and people's connections with nature were really beautiful rendered. It made me pause to wish I was reading this elsewhere, but also helped me feel more grounded in place while I was reading. I also loved how the story was based on the life of her own grandfather.
I do think Pixie/Patrice's story felt a little unresolved at the end, but I loved seeing her mature and learn about the world and herself—what she desired, what she wants from her life. The tribal community was really comforting in the way that they all cared for each other when times got tough, through gathering, visiting, or bringing along food or other necessities. It was a really warming experience to read about, especially as modern life can feel so isolating sometimes.
A gorgeous work, and I can't wait to dive in to Erdrich's backlist!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual assault, Rape, and Trafficking