The Night Watchman

This is Louise Erdich's latest. If you know her work, you know she is a Native American novelist of Chippewa and Ojibwe descent. I have only read one other book of hers, Love Medicine. She is now on my list of authors I need to read more of. This one was rapturous. The characters are so compelling and through their stories, you learn about the unique struggles of Native people. Though this is a work of fiction, it is based on real events. The Night Watchman is based on her grandfather, Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Advisory Committee at the time (set in the 50s). He organized testimony against an actual bill proposed to terminate the treaties, a legal document that affords Native people some measure of protection. There are other really great characters that give you a sense of the richness of their culture, especially Patrice, a young gifted woman who can perpetuate her culture, but can also go into the world to get the credentials she will need to become a leader.  The tragedy of missing Native women is also included in one of the storylines. There are all these different strands woven together to draw you in to the pattern of the story.