logo

72 pages 2 hours read

The Plague Of Doves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Louise Erdrich

The Plague Of Doves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Dakota • 1910s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

960L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich, published in 2009, examines the aftermath of the Lochren family massacre in North Dakota, including the wrongful lynching of Native American men, and explores the intricate relationships and generational trauma between Native Americans and white settlers. Sensitive topics include historical and racial violence, abuse, and mental health struggles.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

19,396 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Louise Erdrich's The Plague Of Doves captivates with its intricate narrative and rich character development, skillfully weaving multiple generations and perspectives. Praised for its evocative prose and profound themes, it, however, faces criticism for its complex, sometimes disjointed structure which may challenge reader engagement. Highly recommended for its literary artistry.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Plague Of Doves?

A reader who enjoys complex, multi-generational narratives and richly interwoven stories of community and history like those in Louise Erdrich's The Plague of Doves would also appreciate novels such as Toni Morrison’s Beloved or Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude for their poignant exploration of cultural heritage and interconnected lives.

4.0

19,396 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Evelina Harp

A young woman who grows throughout the novel, experiencing inner conflict and transformation, particularly in regard to her family's expectations and her own identity.

Known as Mooshum, he is Evelina's grandfather and a storyteller who enjoys challenging religious figures and sharing wisdom through his tales.

Seraph's dignified younger brother, a violinist who represents peace and spirituality through music, balancing his brother's chaotic nature.

A judge of mixed heritage who navigates cultural tensions while working within the law and carrying a deep understanding of historical legacies.

The child-bride of a cult leader, possessing unique visionary abilities, whose journey reflects grappling with personal and familial challenges.

The sole survivor of a family massacre, who struggles with her prejudices and past while forming complicated relationships later in life.

A taciturn and enigmatic figure linked to violence, who exists on the narrative's periphery and impacts other characters’ lives without clear motives.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Dakota • 1910s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

960L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.