
The Night Watchman
Reviews

My first Erdrich book but definitely not my last. This was a slow burn for me until a little over half way through when I just had to find out what happened next. It’s a rich story based on the history of the author’s own family.

3.5. Not bad, but not her best book of the several I have read. More of a scrapbook family album than a compelling story. It is based in part on her grandfather’s legal activism to save the future of the Turtle Mountain people from obliteration by the US Government. Includes (written) portraits of some young indigenous women, emphasizing for how long the “official” disregard for missing native girls has persisted (only recently being covered in the mainstream media in the US). It just didn’t hold together as a novel and I had expected more based on its being awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

This is the book I'd most like to stay in this year. Absolutely loved it. The characters & relationships were so beautifully observed. The gentle humour was perfect, and balanced out the sadness. I felt like I was there, in a different place, a different time, a different culture.

This novel is a love letter, written as a fictional story. It’s based on true events that happened when the author’s grandfather was a tribal leader of the Chippewa of the Turtle Mountain Reservation in 1953. Thomas, the character based on the author’s grandfather, is a farmer and a night watchman at a jewel bearing plant. And he is leading his people to fight a new bill on its way to the floor of Congress, that would devastate them. Pixie Paranteau, or Patrice, is 19. She works at the jewel bearing plant and takes care of her family, while dreaming of more for her life. And, of finding her missing sister, Vera. From the woods of North Dakota to Washington DC, this beautifully written novel is a rich blend of history, humor, Native American culture and lore, and even a ghost. I learned so much and fell in love with the characters. This story will stay with me.

i didn’t rly enjoy it (it’s just not my type of book) but i can appreciate it’s artistry and the culture and importance behind it. there’s also some really beautiful language and moments in here and the author has a unique voice.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. Felt like I was just getting to know characters when the book ended.

















