The Antelope Wife

I am enjoying all Ms. Erdrich's books... I recommend you read them in order. Follow the families through time and learn what life is really like on the rez.

I loved how the plot and characters in this book were so intricately woven together. The book left me totally full with imagery and language, and looking forward to reading more of Erdrich's fiction. (I also loved The Blue Jay's Dance - a non-ficiton work)

Lousie Erdrich's writing wraps the reader in intricate strands of symbolism, characters and shifting time and place. Stories are woven, questions are raised and as time passes answered. The strands begin to straighten out and make sense. Re-reading the book to get it all straight is a treat and a gift. I will gladly settle into Erdrich's writing over authors who leave no question marks or connections to ponder any day.The power, danger and wonder of intense love is but one of the journeys the reader will take in this book.

I was disappointed in Louise Erdrich's previous novel, *Tales of Burning Love*, which I thought was overly sensationalistic--a bit "Hollywood" for my taste. In *The Antelope Wife*, however, she has returned to an approach that is reminiscent of her first and most triumphant novel, *Love Medicine*. She writes in a style that may be difficult for some readers to accept--no,it's not "obscure" in the sense of a James Joyce novel, but she changes voices, time frames, and situations constantly. The result is a tapestry-like narrative that is uniquely effective, in my view. Erdrich has a way with words that is rare in today's literary world, despite the countless novels that are published annually. Moreover, because of her own Native American heritage, she is able to convey with incredible effectiveness the realities of past and present life and consciousness within those Indian cultures with which she is familiar. This is a fine work, one that makes me look forward all the more to Louise Erdrich's next book.

With each book, my admiration grows for this writer. Her attention to detail, characterizations, interweaving of mysticism and reality -- and with all, an original dash of humor laced with sadness. As with Burning Tales of Love, she weaves many disparate threads together, creating a narrative blanket that you never want to unwrap from. I've read everything she's written, and in this day when prizes such as the National Book Award mean so much in sales and recognition, it amazes me that her work isn't at least among the finalists.

I finished Antelope Wife 3 days ago and find myself thinking about windigo dogs and an Ojibwa baby nursing Roy. As I miss my turn and screech through another yellow light sweet crumbs melt in my mouth and slide into my gut. I constantly slide in and out of this story. The author is more than grace, more intense than sweet sage and provides a circle for us to travel sweetly within. This story leaves me clammy, sweating with tear-stained eyes and a half-smile on my face.