97 pages • 3 hours read
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226
Novel • Fiction
North Dakota • 1910s
1988
Adult
18+ years
Tracks by Louise Erdrich chronicles the struggles of the Chippewa tribe in the early twentieth century through the voices of elder Nanapush and orphan Pauline. The tribe faces immense challenges from disease, starvation, and government land seizure. Central to the story is Fleur Pillager, renowned for her strength and mystical aura, who fights to retain her land amidst increasing pressure. Topics include rape, physical violence, and religious mania.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Contemplative
Gritty
13,713 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Louise Erdrich's Tracks is widely praised for its rich storytelling, vivid character development, and seamless blending of Native American culture and mythology. Critics commend its lyrical prose and intricate narrative structure. However, some find the alternating first-person perspectives confusing and the plot pacing uneven. Overall, the novel is a compelling and powerful work.
Readers who appreciate Tracks by Louise Erdrich typically enjoy intricate narratives exploring Native American culture and history. Fans of works like Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony or Toni Morrison's Beloved will likely find the mystical elements and deep character development appealing.
13,713 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pauline Puyat
The second narrator, a character who struggles with her identity and seeks acceptance outside the reservation, creating a stark contrast to Nanapush's perspectives with her often unreliable accounts.
Fleur Pillager
The central character known for her strength and resilience, whose story is told through the narrations of Nanapush and Pauline, representing the enduring spirit of the Chippewa people.
Margaret Kashpaw
A determined and strong-willed woman, mother of Eli and Nector, who navigates survival alongside Nanapush and plays a significant role in the tribal dynamics and family relations.
Eli Kashpaw
Son of Margaret and husband to Fleur, who faces conflicts between his family's needs and his loyalty to Fleur, reflecting the intersection of personal and communal challenges.
Lulu Nanapush
Fleur Pillager's daughter, raised with the influence of both Nanapush and Eli, whose relationships and decisions are central to the familial and communal storyline.
226
Novel • Fiction
North Dakota • 1910s
1988
Adult
18+ years
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