70 pages • 2 hours read
The Sentence
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Minneapolis, Minnesota • 2020s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich follows Tookie, an Ojibwe woman who, after serving a sentence for a crime involving a body and drugs, rebuilds her life working at Birchbark Books in Minneapolis. The story encompasses 2020's significant events, such as George Floyd's murder and the COVID-19 pandemic, as Tookie confronts her past, navigates relationships, and is haunted by the ghost of a customer named Flora. The novel addresses topics including institutionalized racism, drug use, and human trafficking.
Mysterious
Challenging
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
81,987 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Louise Erdrich's The Sentence is praised for its rich storytelling, vivid characterizations, and eloquent prose, capturing the spirit of contemporary issues through a ghost story set in a bookstore. Criticisms include a occasionally slow pace and a dense narrative that some may find challenging. Overall, it's a compelling blend of supernatural elements with timely social reflections.
Who Should Read The Sentence?
Readers who enjoy The Sentence by Louise Erdrich typically appreciate contemporary literary fiction with a focus on Native American culture, ghostly elements, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Erdrich's work will likely also enjoy books like Beloved by Toni Morrison and There There by Tommy Orange.
81,987 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Flora’s Ghost
Flora’s Ghost
A secondary character providing tension and mystery, representing cultural appropriation, and serving as a catalyst for Tookie’s development by attempting to make amends with her.
Pollux
Pollux
Tookie’s husband and an important secondary character, whose love and support play a key role in Tookie's rehabilitation and whose complex past as a police officer adds depth to his character.
Jackie
Jackie
Tookie’s mentor and former teacher, instrumental in Tookie's personal growth and return to stability after incarceration by providing guidance and employment at Birchbark Books.
Pen and Asema
Pen and Asema
Fellow booksellers at Birchbark who aid Tookie in resolving the mystery of Flora’s ghost and are dedicated to preserving Indigenous culture, history, and language.
416
Novel • Fiction
Minneapolis, Minnesota • 2020s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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