Published by Harper Collins Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Format: eBook
Based on the life of her grandfather, The Night Watchman tells the story of Thomas Wazhashk who was not only a Night Watchman but a Chippewa Council member who is trying to understand the new “emancipation” bill on its way to the floor of the United States Congress. The bill threatens the rights of Native Americans by abandoning treaties made in good faith.
Patrice “Pixie Paranteau” was class Valedictorian and wants more out of life than a husband and kids. She is barely making enough money to get by and sets out in search of her sister, Vera who is rumored to have a baby. She sets out towards Minnesota to find her sister and baby, but what else will she find along the way?
The Night Watchman was slow to start for me as I got acquainted with the many characters and their subplots. Her various characters play both major and minor roles in the story which shows many of the characters using the strength of determination, courage, ingenuity, kindness, generosity, and love. We also see how they deal with adversity with wit, strength, intelligence, and determination. I always learn something when I read a book, Erdrich. Not only do I learn customs and traditions, I learn history and laws.
Although the book started slowly for me, it did pick up in the second half as everything came together. I always feel as if her books are labors of love for her as she writes about her ancestors and her community.