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What Members Thought
This book was phenomenal. I couldn't put it down - it's a mystery/thriller, but it's really good so usually people class it as literary fiction, it seems (that's a rant for another time).
Erdrich is skillful at weaving social issues and cultural traditions of Native peoples (in this case, Anishinaabe/Chippewa), near constantly, into the story in a way that doesn't seem contrived. The subtlety with which she does so creates a strong sense of place, and for me, that always makes a novel better. Th ...more
Erdrich is skillful at weaving social issues and cultural traditions of Native peoples (in this case, Anishinaabe/Chippewa), near constantly, into the story in a way that doesn't seem contrived. The subtlety with which she does so creates a strong sense of place, and for me, that always makes a novel better. Th ...more
I want to re-read this before I can write a review, because I want to dig into this much more and really think about how Erdrich does what she does, so very well. It is rich and heart-breaking and wonderful.
Uh... hmm. I guess I'm kind of surprised that this book of hers won the NBA to be honest? It's probably my least favorite Louise Erdrich book? Obviously it's well-written because that's what Louise Erdrich does. Let me see. Perhaps by giving this book a remembered teenage boy as its narrator Erdrich necessarily sacrificed some of the poetry I associate with her normally?
Maybe I liked this less because it's more of a mystery and I don't generally like mysteries?
I'm waffling between 3 and 4 star ...more
Maybe I liked this less because it's more of a mystery and I don't generally like mysteries?
I'm waffling between 3 and 4 star ...more
An unsettling read, with lots of twists and turns. Told as retrospective but in a way that vibrates with currency. I remember Erdrich from high school- this is not a school book, but a raw investigation into reality. Very much enjoyed it, if you can enjoy the shattering of innocence and a world where the law precludes justice.
Even though Joe, the main character/narrator, references/gives away one of the final events early on, the ending of this literary mystery is an emotional stunner. I was hooked all the way through by a plot that was unrushed yet compelling and by writing that makes you forget there's an author. No wonder "The Roundhouse" won a National Book Award.
...more
Very powerful book. Highly recommended.
Nov 12, 2012
Julianne Dunn
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2016-read-harder
Dec 29, 2013
Leslie
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
grownups,
bipoc-diversity
Mar 15, 2014
Kristina
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
owned-but-neglected,
read-my-own-damn-books
Oct 26, 2014
Jessica Haider
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
south-shore-bookclub,
indigenous
Jan 14, 2018
Heather
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2020-read-harder-challenge
