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Esil's Reviews > The Night Watchman
The Night Watchman
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An enthusiastic 4 stars!
The Night Watchman is my first Louise Erdrich novel, but it won’t be my last. For me, this was historical fiction at its best. The novel is partially based on Erdrich’s grandfather, who worked as a night watchman in a jewel factory and who led the fight against “dispossession” of residents of the Turtle Mountain Reservation. In parallel, the story focuses on fictional sisters Patrice and Vera, who were born on the reservation. After moving to the city, Vera disappears, and Patrice is determined to find her. In combination, these characters allow Erdrich to pain a political and personal picture of this time in history. Life was very harsh and no one had much money. But the sense of community was strong. And despite some pretty dramatic hardship, Erdrich manages to infuse the story with some humour and optimism. This made for a great monthly buddy read with Angela and Diane. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
The Night Watchman is my first Louise Erdrich novel, but it won’t be my last. For me, this was historical fiction at its best. The novel is partially based on Erdrich’s grandfather, who worked as a night watchman in a jewel factory and who led the fight against “dispossession” of residents of the Turtle Mountain Reservation. In parallel, the story focuses on fictional sisters Patrice and Vera, who were born on the reservation. After moving to the city, Vera disappears, and Patrice is determined to find her. In combination, these characters allow Erdrich to pain a political and personal picture of this time in history. Life was very harsh and no one had much money. But the sense of community was strong. And despite some pretty dramatic hardship, Erdrich manages to infuse the story with some humour and optimism. This made for a great monthly buddy read with Angela and Diane. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
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Diane S ☔
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Dec 27, 2019 04:12PM
Terrific review, Esil. Glad we all thought this a winner!
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Fantastic, Esil . So glad we all enjoyed it! I really have to get to more of her books .
Diane S ☔ wrote: "Terrific review, Esil. Glad we all thought this a winner!"Thanks Diane. Definitely and I’m glad we could read this one together.
Angela M wrote: "Fantastic, Esil . So glad we all enjoyed it! I really have to get to more of her books ."Thanks Angela. Let me know if you decide to read another of her books. I might read it with you.
Fab review Esil! Looking forward to this one!
Esil, I definitely will in the coming year and I’ll let you know.
Esil, wonderful review - I'm looking forward to this one.
Dale wrote: "Great review Esil."Thanks Dale!
Karen wrote: "Fab review Esil! Looking forward to this one!"Thanks Karen. I hope you like it!
Angela M wrote: "Esil, I definitely will in the coming year and I’ll let you know."Great, Angela. Looking forward to it.
Lisa wrote: "Esil, wonderful review - I'm looking forward to this one."I hope you love it, Lisa.
Esil, I loved her book The Round House and want to read another. I'll keep this one in mind after your great review!
JanB wrote: "Esil, I loved her book The Round House and want to read another. I'll keep this one in mind after your great review!"Thanks Jan. You should definitely give this one a try if you liked one of her previous novels.
I have Erdrich books waiting for me on my overloaded shelf and this one sounds really good. Great summary, Esil, gives me a strong idea I will like this. And I’m heartened that a friend is also late getting to this author but has found her well worth the reading.
Sue wrote: "I have Erdrich books waiting for me on my overloaded shelf and this one sounds really good. Great summary, Esil, gives me a strong idea I will like this. And I’m heartened that a friend is also lat..."Thanks Sue. It's definitely worth reading. I'll be interested in your thoughts if you end up reading any of her books. I know what you mean about the overloaded shelves...
I discovered her through the #erdrichmedicinereadalong on Instagram and am obsessed! I am reading her entire cannon this year. Many of the characters reappear in other novels and feel like family. Enjoy!
I have read nearly a dozen of her books which are consistently great. But as your next read I recommend "The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse." Truly an amazing novel.
Like Anna, I've read them all and they are all good. Hard to pick a favorite, but The last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse was definitely one of the best, the Painted Drum was beautifully written, and the Roundhouse, Plague of Doves and now the Night Watchman- all very good.
Nice review, Esil. She's a fantastic story teller
Love Medicine is one of the greatest novels ever.
