This Tender Land

“I’ve poured the best of myself into this story and I invite you to experience all of its remarkable twists and turns. As Odie says in the very beginning ‘Open yourself to every possibility, for there is nothing your heart can imagine that is not so.’ Blessings, -William Kent Krueger

True to his word, William Kent Krueger did pour his heart and soul into this book. His writing is both moving and beautiful. I found myself highlighting large sections of text. He has the heart of a poet. If you have read one of his other books Ordinary Grace you will know what I mean. He has the gift to make everyday events, and ordinary people exquisite. His main character Odie is also a storyteller and this book has passages where Odie is telling stories to his friends.

“The tale I am going to tell is of a summer long ago. Of killing and kidnapping and children pursued by demons of a thousand names. There will be courage in this story and cowardice. There will be love and betrayal. And, of course, there will be hope. In the end, isn’t that what every good story is about?”

The book opens as an old man, Odie O’Banion is looking back at his life, specifically back to Minnesota, 1932 when he, his older brother, Albert, and their friends, Moses and Emmy embark on a journey. A journey to escape the horrors that exist at the Lincoln School, a home where Native American children are being educated after being separated from their families. Although, Odie, Albert and Emmy are not Native American they all under the care of the woman who runs the school. As they make their escape, the four meet some interesting people. Some good, some bad, but all with stories of their own.

“Stories are the sweet fruit of my existence and I share them gladly.”

The beauty in this book is not just in the wonderful writing, but in the descriptions of the people and the time/era in which they live in. I felt as if I was right there in the canoe as a quiet observer as they made their escape and had their interactions with others. Odie is a young teen when he goes on this journey and matures along the way as he confronts the harsh realities of life. He is not the only character who changes and grows. The others change and grow as well.

There are discussions about God in this book. God as a tornado, God as a savior and God as being part of the land. There is a level of spirituality that runs through the book, but this book is never preachy or overbearing. Some of the characters in this book have faith while other’s question theirs. The author is not asking the reader to have it, nor is he trying to cram anything down the readers throat.

“Ask me, God’s right here. In the dirt, the rain, the sky, the trees, the apples, the stars in the cottonwoods. In you and me, too. It’s all connected to God. Sure, this is hard work, but it’s good work because it’s part of what connects us to this land, Buck. This beautiful, tender land.”

I savored every page of this beautifully written book. This book has a little bit of everything. It has a little bit of magic, a little bit of drama, some history, some romance, coming of age and learning about and knowing yourself. It’s also about acceptance, courage, responsibility, friendship, family, and love. Family comes in all forms and these children created a loving cohesive family unit which was a joy to read.

I highly recommend this book. READ IT! When you are done with this book, do yourself a favor and pick up Ordinary Grace and read that as well.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thought and opinions expressed in this review are my own.