Louise Erdrich based this book on her grandfather, a night watchman who battled the government for Native American rights, to stop a new "emancipation" bill in 1953 and protect the Chippewa Nation - its land and identity.
I admit I am not up on Native American issues, but this book, though fiction based on facts and real lives, opened my eyes. Cover blurb - How can the government abandon treaties made in good faith 'for as long as the grasses shall grow, and the rivers run?'
Meet Thomas, the night watchman at the local jewel bearing plant. This is a man of good stead, good heart, and a truly wise man with faith that truth will bear out. He's a thinker and truly takes his time to research and find the truth. Pixie (Patrice) Paranteau is a hard worker with a tough family life. She's trying to find her lost sister, a child, and dives deep into city exploitation, violence, and danger as a Native American woman.
This book grapples with (cover blurb) the worst and best of human impulses, illuminates loves and lives, desires and ambitions, and does it all with compassion, wit, and intelligence.
I truly admire Erdrich's literary talents and her deep dive into characters. The Night Watchman is a book club hit. Lots of food for thought and more to explore from Erdrich's rich writing achievements.
Hi Joanne - I'd be interested to read this ... I read Curt Gentry's book on Hoover 'The Man and his Secrets' - horrifying ... I can't remember which Native American peoples, but am sure a great deal of it was about North Dakota.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you've read Edrich's book and alerted us to it ... all the best - Hilary
this won the Pulitzer Prize. It's quite enthralling.
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