Love Medicine is a complicated but brilliantly compelling series of short stories that weave together the saga of the Kashpaws and the Lamartines. TheLove Medicine is a complicated but brilliantly compelling series of short stories that weave together the saga of the Kashpaws and the Lamartines. The characters are fascinating and solidly drawn, easily becoming real for the reader. Although some readers may find the stories wildly disorganized, taken separately or on the whole, I loved them. Louise Erdrich has a powerful voice and point-of-view, and if you can manage to just absorb her words, you too will fall in love with her style and writing. ...more
Into the Wilderness is the first installment in Rosanne Bittner's American West series. This first story begins in the midst of the French and Indian Into the Wilderness is the first installment in Rosanne Bittner's American West series. This first story begins in the midst of the French and Indian war, and features Noah Wilde, Long Hunter and spy, fighting along side the French and reporting back to the English. On his way back to Virginia to deliver news of a French victory and massacre, Noah comes upon Jessica Matthews in the forest as a group of Native Americans attack her. Noah and Jess save each other's lives and begin a difficult romance.
I enjoy historical fiction, but haven't read any historical romance in awhile. I picked this one up based on a description at NoveList, but ended up torn on my rating. The details of this bloody time in American history are well-researched and chilling. Bittner paints a fascinating scene of colonial life, with portrayals of Native Americans that are fully-formed and three dimensional - these are no mere cigar store Indians. The Native Americans in Bittner's novel are a proud, fierce and untamed people, with motives and loyalties that are as fundamental as those of the colonists.
Bittner also introduces the reader to many notable characters from American history, such as Virginia's Governor Dinwiddie, a young George Washington scouting for the British, and the Ottawa Chief Pontiac. Including these characters gives Into the Wilderness depth and showcases the deeds of these men, for good and sometimes evil.
The only real problem I had with Into the Wilderness was the romance. The main characters fell in love unbelievably quickly and with no real exposition, and the rest of their story was rushed. I also had some problems with the narration and dialog. For example, Jess says, "You're bad wounded mister." to Noah on page 28, then on page 77 she's say, "I know with all my being that he would be a loyal, caring, protective husband." when talking to her mother - only a couple of days have passed but Jess seems to have acquired better diction seemingly overnight. It's subtle, I know, but it bugged me.
Into the Wilderness is a good story overall and I'll probably pick up the other books in the series eventually, but I'm in no hurry. The historical aspects of the novel were first rate and interesting, I just wish the author had taken more time with her main characters to build a more realistic relationship. ...more
I must say, Louise Erdrich is a gifted storyteller - a true master of the written word! Her descriptions allow the reader to fall into the pages of thI must say, Louise Erdrich is a gifted storyteller - a true master of the written word! Her descriptions allow the reader to fall into the pages of the story and become engrossed in the lives of the characters. The Painted Drum gives the reader a lot to think about - mysticism and tribal lore, spirituality and the natural world, life and the eventuality of death - you will be haunted by this novel long after you have put it down.
With exquisite descriptions and poetry, Louise Erdrich has captured my imagination again. I will be on the look out for her other novels at the library and bookstore. The Painted Drum is truly inspired and beautiful. ...more
The Plague of Doves is easily the most beautiful piece of fiction that I've read all year. The unique voices of the narrators bring this haunting storThe Plague of Doves is easily the most beautiful piece of fiction that I've read all year. The unique voices of the narrators bring this haunting story to life, with dynamic characters that leap off the page and into the reader's heart. Using broad, bold strokes, Erdrich paints a vivid picture showing the way a single brutal act can echo through the generations, effecting everything and everyone in its path.
The lives of the characters in The Plague of Doves entwine and weave together into a dazzling tapestry. Louise Erdrich is a master storyteller, blending the characters' stories together flawlessly. These parallel vignettes work in concert with one another to form an exquisitely well-written novel. As one might imagine, the story is both complex and grand in scope, but the end product is a remarkably well-developed and cohesive tale.
The Plague of Doves is both lyrically written and delightfully intricate. When you open this book prepare to become lost within its pages, drawn into a different time and place. The sense of history, coupled with mystery and even a bit of humor makes The Plague of Doves a first-rate work of fiction. Erdrich takes her readers on a delicious journey - one that I am eager to repeat. I will definitely be looking for more of her books in the future....more
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