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450
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • 1930s
2019
YA
18+ years
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger is a coming-of-age adventure novel set during the Great Depression that follows four children—Odie O'Banion, his brother Albert, their friend Mose, and a young girl named Emmy—as they escape a harsh boarding school and journey down the Gilead River, encountering a series of challenges and transformative experiences that reshape their spiritual beliefs and understanding of life. The book includes themes of abuse, violence, and trauma.
Adventurous
Emotional
Contemplative
Melancholic
Heartwarming
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William Kent Krueger's This Tender Land has been praised for its evocative prose and strong character development, reminiscent of classic American literature. Reviewers commend its gripping narrative and emotional depth, though some feel the pacing is uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and rich historical context.
Readers who enjoy heartfelt historical fiction with rich character development will be captivated by William Kent Krueger's This Tender Land. Comparable to works like The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, this novel is perfect for fans of epic, poignant adventures.
237,728 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Albert O’Banion
Albert, Odie’s cousin raised as his brother, is four years older, tall, lean, and intelligent. He complements Odie with his intellectual and mechanical skills and acts as a protector throughout their journey.
Moses “Mose” Washington/Amdacha
Mose is large in stature and characterized as Odie’s giant companion. After being sent to Lincoln School, he learns to sign from Odie and Albert, becoming a key member of their group with a cheerful disposition.
Emmaline “Emmy” Frost
Emmy, described as a “cutie” and likened to Little Orphan Annie, functions as the group’s moral compass. She possesses a gift of clairvoyance, with instincts that often prove correct about people.
450
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • 1930s
2019
YA
18+ years
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