LaRose: A Novel

The story is very interesting from the perspective of Native American culture; dealing with loss and tragedy in a spiritual way between generations .
I thought there were too many characters that were presented in the story and had inadequate resolution of their part, like Emmaline and the Priest.
She always weaves very interesting stories from the elders.
Round House was a much better written book.

This was a selection for our Reading Group. I enjoyed it very much. Native American culture has always interested me. The main story, itself, is compelling, but when you add in the history, it's just that much better!

Louise Erdrich is one of my favorite writers. I loved the shifting viewpoints and perspectives. The inclusion of Native American legends gave LaRose's story background and depth. Erdrich!s writing is rich in language and style.

I enjoyed this novel primarily because of how well it was written. The characters were well developed and interesting. The novel stretched believability to some extent and was not as good as the Round House but was a good read!

It is quite different from the round house, but you go deep into each mind as Erdrich fluffs our her characters and they grow in front of your eye! This a story that times feels dangerous and other time like growing up story. Bravo!

Wow. What a beautiful, eloquent, imaginative, and surprising story about tragedy. It can’t be easy to weave a story about so many tragic characters and make their resiliency so believable. Erdrich showcases her deep understanding of how one event in a community transforms so many lives – even those not directly involved. Actions and non-actions taken by the participants and bystanders completely alter lives and legacies. The narration in this novel is expert – as she allows the reader to believe one thing, and then to allow another character – sometime multiple times – clear us the misunderstanding (maybe!) for the reader. It reflects on the beauty of oral tradition, as well as being a brilliant and effective storytelling technique. At least two times in the book I just set it down, breathed out, and shook my head thinking – Wow, I didn’t see that coming - genius. Perhaps you browsed this book and decided to move on because it’s not your typical “summer read” – please don’t be put off by the summary about a subject so heavy and depressing. Instead, do yourself a favor and pick up a book like this with a little more meat on the bones – not exactly a light read, but something that gets you believing in the power of a book to expose new layers of humanity and the magic of redemption.

Profound writing that couples the Old Ways with more contemporary times and the Spirit World as it relates to everyday life. There is a broad spectrum of characters that vividly come to life. Despite often depressing issues arising among the Native people, we are reminded of the healing power that one individual can make to transform and weave optimism into a potential tragedy.

Louise Erdrich has a way of unfolding a story with warmth and humor that envelops the reader in her tale so that you are compelled to finish as quickly as possible to watch t he characters grow. A very memorable story

Another amazing portrayal of cross cultural heritage and life in a changing modern world by Louise Erdrich. Her characters are real, human and have depth from which we can all learn. Her books have staying power and are worth re-reading over and over.

Exquisite narrative with multiple perspectives. Highly original characters. Infused with aspects of native American life that are surprising in both the level of detail and the price of assimilation. Not an easy read, but well worth it.

LAROSE by Louise Erdrich
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t sustain an interest in these characters or their story. Perhaps it was the jumps from past to present or present to indigenous tale or family to family, I just didn’t care.
The whole premise of giving away a child (and then taking him back - sort of) just didn’t seem believable. Emmaline never really seemed to be a “real” person, just a non-entity. LaRose was too good to be true. Nola was too submerged in grief to be interesting. Maggie was my favorite character and the most believable. I couldn’t understand why anyone would believe anything Romeo said.
I have read other books by Erdrich and liked them. This one was just a disappointment.
3 of 5 stars for good writing, poor story

Erdrich is one of my all time favorite writers.Her ability to describe the human condition is peerless.While LaRose may not be my favorite book of hers,it is beautifully realised and I am so glad she is still writing.

This was a tender, beautifully written novel. I was so looking forward to hearing the author as she was the speaker at lecture series in our town. Unfortunately she spoke little of her writing process and was obsessed with her book store and independent book store business hardships. Really disappointing, but a talented writer! Will read more of her work.

Louise Erdrich's novels are never easy reading, but they are well worth the effort. They are enriching on many levels, not least of which are a deeper understanding of human nature and motivation and an appreciation of the history and contributions of the First Nations.

I love Louise Erdrich. Her book poses an almost Solomon question of what to do about a loss and how to heal yourself. She writes like a dream and returns to writing about her own people. But she always uncovers the psychological truth behind human behavior.

I love Louise Erdrich. This book was thought provoking but also a bit slow in places. Like always her characters were well developed. The cultural aspects of American Indian life are always a interest to me. LaRose was such a brave perspective child dealing with such a impossible situation. The book often filled me with sadness!

Although Erdrich's characters are fictional, she educates the reader in an aspect of American culture that has remained hidden to most Americans. The sweetness and sorrow remained with me long after I finished the novel.

This is how North Dakota Indians live, this is how they think. This book is so much more than the sharing of a boy with another family. It's immense. Should be viewed as part of our American heritage.