[Subdue] Montana 1948 by Larry Watson- 4 stars

[Jen K]

Small but powerful coming of age story set in Montana after WWII. When Marie Little Soldier, the housekeeper at David's home, gets sick, her fear of seeing the doctor stars as derisive jokes of drum beating and dancing but quickly leads to a something much darker and difficult. David watches his family struggle with difficult truths and find that trying to protect both family and community is impossible. David tries to makes sense of what he is overhearing and what he has known. The incredulity that one wouldn't choose to overlook abuse for family reaffirms how easily the powerful can get away with behaviors that are rumored but not addressed.

The story is about loyalty and justice. It was interesting to see the story unfold through David's perspective and how he processes the information. I don't always love a child POV but this one was done well.

[Book Concierge]

I loved this book, but you are right about how difficult the subject matter is.