Questions About The Night Watchman

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Answered Questions (20)

Do you think that Millie is "on the spectrum"?

Sophia Pekowsky There's definitley something in her need for the patterns on her clothes to be a certain way and her lack of filter. It's interesting how this was dis…moreThere's definitley something in her need for the patterns on her clothes to be a certain way and her lack of filter. It's interesting how this was discussed without ever using words like autism or on the spectrum, it made me think about how before these diagnoses existed, the characteristics of what we now refer to as autism existed, and how the perceptions of these people by others is potentially affected by the definition/diagnoses. I also sensed that Millie was queer because of her confusing feelings for Patrice/Pixie!! She is such a wonderful and interesting character.(less)

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I wonder if Erdrich has a sequel in the making? Such great characters could be written about a lot more.

Lynda I would love to see the story of Wood Mountain and Vera explored. Or follow Patrice to law school.

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Did I miss what was in the suit or the tank that Patrice was swimming in and which appeared to be lethal?

Dale They were never explicit. When Patrice asks the bartender(?) why the other water jacks didn't last long the woman quickly changes the topic. And it wa…moreThey were never explicit. When Patrice asks the bartender(?) why the other water jacks didn't last long the woman quickly changes the topic. And it was only after this conversation that Patrice notices that she feels out of sorts.

I think to keep this centered in the time and place, the 1950s, it is purposely left ambiguous. Because at the time there wouldn't be a way to tell. It could have been many things: the suit material, the dye, the drying powder, the tank water, the makeup, materials in the room she changed and slept in... there were so many toxins back in the day. I think that main takeaway is that Patrice is intuitive and good at thinking on her feet despite her innocence. She is resiliant, a solution finder and a survivor...

Although I agree with Barbara below that it was inferred by the author that it was likely the dye on the suit or the drying powder.(less)

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I am having a hard time getting into this book did anyone else feel this way?