About this title: Erdrich's first novel, published in 1984, is actually a collection of interrelated but independent stories about characters who subsequently became perennial actors in her vast and colorful drama of Native American life.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Near new condition. Clean white pages. No markings. Minor crease back cover. 0.60" x 8.10" x 5.20". read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Bantam
Date Published: 1989-08-01
ISBN-13:9780553344233ISBN:0553344234
Description: Good. Some edge wear; some light cover discoloration. Ink blot on first page. Pages tanning at edges. NOT an ex-library book; no publisher's remainder marks. Military (APO/FPO) orders are welcomed-Thank you for your service. read more
Binding: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Bantam
Date Published: 1989
ISBN-13:9780553344233ISBN:0553344234
Description: Good. Vibrant with mystery, music, and magic, this is a moving saga of two Native American families....272 pp. Cover is shelf worn. read more
"This book meanders through the lives of members of an extended North Dakota family. It spans 60 years, chronicling moments from three generations of Chippewa.
The plot's orbit is uneven as it revolves around two centers of gravity: June Morrisey on her own, and Lulu, Marie and Nector bound together. That unevenness is not a weakness; it adds complexity to a book about the ways that love binds together us and pushes us apart.
At the outset of "Love Medicine," June Morrisey is alone, heading home, but open to a little fun before she goes. She finds her fun on the side of the road with a man who convinced her to stick around for beer and sweat. He falls asleep. June steps out of the truck into the deep northern snow, and spends the rest of her life walking in the isolate cold.
June's death tears at the fabric of a family she rarely saw: the abusive ex-husband who blames himself, adoptive parents who know her secrets, the son who misses his mother, and the son who never knew who she really was to him.
As we learn their stories in relation to June, we also see how these characters' lives are shaped by Lulu Nanapush and Nector and Marie Kashpaw. Long ago, Nector seemed fated to marry Lulu, but instead he chose Marie. As these three stubborn teenagers grow old and begin to fade, their loves, sorrows, jealousies, hopes and fears stay strong. No choice is final, their lives suggest.
June's final choice may rebut that suggestion. But I'm not so sure."
"I read the first three of this saga out of order; think I read this one first, then The Beet Queen, then Tracks and Four Souls. This one made me feel I should be keeping a character chart or genealogy as I read, but of course, though I've read this one three times now--this time because Em was reading it for one of her bookgroups--I never made a chart and continued to have trouble keeping everyone straight. It's kind of Arthurian in that respect. Despite my own confusion, I love this book; the characters are well-defined, interesting, all too fallible, but lovable. Now I want to refresh my memory of The Beet Queen."
"I've been a Louise Erdrich fan for years and read this when it first came out. I was stunned and delighted then, and even more impressed now after re-reading in preparation for teaching the book to my 10th grade English class. It is hard to think of a more evocative, insightful, magical collection of stories, connected and tangential, which make this novel unique and effective. Can 10th graders travel with Erdrich in her summoning of these voices from the Reservation? I don't know, but what a fantastic challenge this is likely to be."
"Intricate family history by awesome storyteller - drew up MANY drafts of family trees to follow - quite fun to put missing pieces together. BUT deeply upsetting - violence and viciousness are commonplace; deep rifts are never fully addressed; and the cycle of hurt continues. book flap claims the book is about the "supreme power of the heart." I agree, if "power" refers to hardening and enduring; developing a callous to the pain we feel and inflict... does NOT leave one with a good feeling. possibly its purpose???"
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