darcyparcy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A family drama coupled with the traumas of being Native American in post-colonial America. The connections between the characters can be confusing at first, but once you're familiar with the family tree, the relationships blossom into complex, realistic, and nuanced dynamics between an even more dynamic cast of characters.
My only note is that there is a graphic scene involving SA about halfway through the book.
My only note is that there is a graphic scene involving SA about halfway through the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Rape, and Domestic abuse
jordan21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
5.0
What initially reads as a collection of short stories evolves into a highly detailed, multi-generational narrative about the dysfunctions and mysteries of an indigenous family line. This book grabbed my attention from the cover and kept it until the last sentence. The shift of who I thought was the “main character” and who actually was took me by surprise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Domestic abuse
cleome37i's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Racial slurs, Colonisation, and Death
bisexualwentworth's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
The character work and relationships in this book are stunning. I had trouble following all of the different dynamics at play, but I think that’s just cause I was reading too quickly.
Was it really necessary to use the n-word in that one passage? Cause yikes.
Definitely glad to have finally read something by Louise Erdrich, and I will be checking out more of her work!
Was it really necessary to use the n-word in that one passage? Cause yikes.
Definitely glad to have finally read something by Louise Erdrich, and I will be checking out more of her work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Rape, Fire/Fire injury, Pregnancy, Racism, and Racial slurs
christalbotheindl's review
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Infidelity, Racism, Rape, and Sexual assault
pi_a_la_mode's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Slow start, but Erdrich’s beautiful prose pulls the reader in and once enevloped in the embrace of her story, all its beauty unfolds in page after page.
Erdrich follows the Kashpaws and Lamartines through three generations. The timeline was sometimes difficult to follow as memories unfolded outside the designated year titling each chapter, and the cast of characters is extensive (thankfully a family tree helps with keeping track of everyone and their connections).
Told in vignettes that could each be stand alone stories, the total sum of the families’ stories creates a rich portrait. Complex and moving, each and every emotion leaping off the page in its turn. Each of these characters will tug at your heartstrings, some will break them.
Erdrich follows the Kashpaws and Lamartines through three generations. The timeline was sometimes difficult to follow as memories unfolded outside the designated year titling each chapter, and the cast of characters is extensive (thankfully a family tree helps with keeping track of everyone and their connections).
Told in vignettes that could each be stand alone stories, the total sum of the families’ stories creates a rich portrait. Complex and moving, each and every emotion leaping off the page in its turn. Each of these characters will tug at your heartstrings, some will break them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Racism
threeara's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Rape
Minor: Bullying and Miscarriage
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