The plot of Louise Erdrich’s amazing novel concerns a boy’s search for the man who attacked his mother, while his father searches for justice despite the twisted web of federal, state, and tribal laws that stands in his way.
It sounds simple, but The Round House is the work of a master-storyteller, each detail bringing daily life on the reservation into focus. Joe, the narrator, is a funny, honest companion through the often-horrifying story, and through his eyes we see all the best of late-boyhood friendships in his adventures with Cappy, Zack, and Angus, as well as the worst in men.
The raw anger and frustration that this book made me feel was balanced by admiration for Ms. Erdrich’s stunning language and deft way of shaping her characters. One of my favorite passages is Joe’s relation of the boys’ love for Star Trek: The Next Generation. The boys all want to be Worf, but admire Data immensely. (Also, the chapter names are often taken from the names of Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes.)
I finished reading The Round House last Wednesday, and I’m thrilled that I’ve finally had the chance to recommend it.
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So glad to hear your recommendation! I was thinking just the other day that I have read virtually nothing by Native Americans. I haven’t read Louise Erdrich since Love Medicine back in college. I’ll look forward to getting to The Round House. Thanks for your review!
What did you think of Love Medicine? The Round House is my first Erdrich read.
Carolyn, I’m so embarrassed to admit this but the truth is I CAN’T REMEMBER…
Happens to me all the time 🙂
So glad you said that – I was starting to feel very lame 😉
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