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2.5 stars
Before this one I read four novels by Louise Erdrich and loved all of them . She’s a prolific writer and there are more I want to read . Because I’ve enjoyed her writing and storytelling, I’m sorry to say I was disappointed in this one . It took way too long to connect with the characters and the story . I didn’t like any of the characters for most of the story, except Crystal. While I believed there is something important, Erdrich has to say here, I wasn’t able to see it as I waded through the daily lives of these characters.

Maybe it’s because I was preoccupied this week or maybe it was just my mood. I’m not sure , but I do know that I was not engaged as I was with other novels I loved by Erdrich such as The Night Watchman and LaRose which is one I’ll never forget. I warmed up to some of the characters, but not until close to the end . I thought Gary was just weird, but by the end felt for him . There’s a lot to dislike about Martin, Crystal’s husband until there are some revelations. I’m going to round up to three stars because of the quality of the writing, the recognition of dangers to the environment and I appreciated the ending . I just wish I had been able to engage sooner. This will absolutely not keep me from reading Erdrich’s other books. I still believe she’s a literary treasure.

I’m thankful I read this with Diane, my book buddy and I’m glad that it wasn’t just me.


I received a digital copy of this from HarperCollins through Edelweiss.