Excellent!!!!! The twists, turns and subplots in this book keep it moving at rapid pace. The characters are very interesting. The setting, North Dakota between WWI and WWII is the setting of many of Louise Erdrich books. The final notes reveal that only a very small portion of the story is based on stories from her family life.

Louise Erdich generally writes about Native Americans, They play a very small role in this book, the title character is a butcher from Germany who comes to the US after WWI to start a new life. He brings the tools of his trade and a suitcase full of sausage to support him until he finds work. He settles in the small town of Argus which is home to rich assortment of people whose lives all add rich color to the life of the butcher and his family.

The most important character is Delphine who is the care taker to many of the towns people. Her unexplained past, her outspoken personality and search for love make this a fascinating reading experience.