Characters

[Kathleen]

This is the second Louise Erdrich book that I've read, and I like this one even better than The Painted Drum. I loved the friendship between the main character, Delphine, and Eva Waldvogel, which lasts long after Eva's death: "There was no heater, but she had the quilt that Eva made for her draped up to her waist. Sometimes she traced the pinched little stitches that her friend had taken, and thought strangely that the stitches might as well have been taken in her own skin, and Eva pulling them. She still retained the imprint of her friend's personality, and in that way, another comfort, she liked to think she kept her alive." (303) The books spans the years between World Wars I and II in North Dakota, mostly the years of the Depression, and describes the thin layer of civilization that kept people in the small, desolate town of Argus. Delphine fends off several reasons for leaving or for submitting to shame; I liked her spirit. "Life after life flashed before her eyes, yet she stayed safe from misery....In truth, she was finding out, life was better lived in a tranquil pattern. As long as she could read, she was never tired of the design of her days." (302)

[Maggie]

I can't believe this book had been sitting on my bookshelf for 5 years! Its one of the best books I have ever read.

[Jan]

I too am guilty of pushing this book aside in favor of others and was plesantly surprised at the beautiful writing, depth of characters and the wonderful ending. I also have The Painted Drum and will bring that one closer to the top of my TBR list. I've found a new favorite author.

[Maggie]

I've also read The Painted Drum and Love Medicine - she really is a beautiful writer.

[Deb]

Maggie wrote: "I can't believe this book had been sitting on my bookshelf for 5 years! Its one of the best books I have ever read."

My similar sentiment after it living on my shelf for a year. I really enjoyed it.

[Brenda]

I absolutely loved this book. I definitely will be reading more of her books.