sjklass's review against another edition
3.0
This probably deserves a higher rating but I’ve had a difficult time focussing on my reading of late....hmmmm, wonder why?! Like many Erdrich novels, there are a lot of characters. I loved and rooted for Patrice/Pixie, especially on her trip to Minneapolis and Thomas, the Night Watchman, is such a very honourable man. I wanted more of Zhannat. No spoilers, but there were sections that needed expanding and others that seemed to not move the plot forward. Perhaps the kind of novel that benefits from reading in big chunks, several hours at a time. The author’s afterward is well worth reading to add real life context to the novel. Good but not memorable for me.
misha136's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
nlevesque27's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. I think that the writing style was great and the two main POVs really gave you a great look into the community on the reservation. I definitely want to check out some more books by this author and want to find more books about indigenous people/communities.
Book 12/40 (2022)
Book 12/40 (2022)
haleysheridan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
ch1ara's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
maevebm's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Felt like a truly meh book. The true story it’s based on is extraordinary and an often forgotten part of American history. I thought the descriptions of the setting to be beautiful & really put me in the location. However, the dialogue wasn’t compelling, characters weren’t fleshed out, and the pacing was so slow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Forced institutionalization
wiede042's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
Great informative read. I enjoyed the pace and humor.
murphyjc's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
rachelsherouse's review against another edition
4.0
This book tackles the true story of the government’s attempt to terminate the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa tribe in 1954. The Night Watchman follows several tribal members’ lives as they navigate this treacherous decision spurred on by a real Senator from Utah. We follow Thomas, the Night Watchman of jewel bearing plant (and he is based on the author’s grandfather), Pixie, who works at the jewel bearing plant and has dreams of a different life, and several other characters who are part of the Turtle Mountain tribe or who work with them. While the book’s main plot deals with government termination, there are many side plots about love, family, and finding your path in life.
I wish I knew what blog or person recommended this book to me because I want to thank them. The Night Watchman is not a book I would normally pick up to read, and I am so glad I read it. I know very little about these government attempts to terminate tribes (and the benefits that go along with it), and it’s happening again under this Administration. I’m from Montana, and the book takes place in North Dakota so I felt a special kinship to these people and their struggles.
The cadence and rhythm of this book were deeply satisfying in ways I cannot describe. The book was a pleasant read even when tackling difficult topics like race, sex, and money. It was a very interesting snapshot of life in the 1950s that we don’t hear about all that often. The author’s research was incredible and I have confidence that she portrayed this time period and character struggles to the best of her ability. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book for a change in pace and to understand the struggle of tribal designation in the United States.
I wish I knew what blog or person recommended this book to me because I want to thank them. The Night Watchman is not a book I would normally pick up to read, and I am so glad I read it. I know very little about these government attempts to terminate tribes (and the benefits that go along with it), and it’s happening again under this Administration. I’m from Montana, and the book takes place in North Dakota so I felt a special kinship to these people and their struggles.
The cadence and rhythm of this book were deeply satisfying in ways I cannot describe. The book was a pleasant read even when tackling difficult topics like race, sex, and money. It was a very interesting snapshot of life in the 1950s that we don’t hear about all that often. The author’s research was incredible and I have confidence that she portrayed this time period and character struggles to the best of her ability. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book for a change in pace and to understand the struggle of tribal designation in the United States.