Tracks

by Louise Erdrich
Tracks cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Historical Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 5792
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780816148103
  • Publisher: Macmillan Reference USA
  • Published: 1989-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Tracks is a poignant and powerful novel set in the early 1900s, following the story of a North Dakota Indian tribe as they battle to keep their ancestral lands from being taken over by an expanding white society. The narrative delves deep into the cultural and personal struggles of the tribe, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The book is not just a historical account but also a profound exploration of identity, tradition, and the impact of colonization. It offers a unique perspective on a often overlooked chapter of American history, making it a compelling read for those interested in both historical fiction and cultural studies.

Reviews
Marion Hill · 2012-09-08
disappointing 2.00

The story did not engage the reviewer's imagination, leaving them feeling distant from most of the characters. They found the narrative to be less captivating than other works by Erdrich.

The reviewer expresses a sense of disconnect with the story and characters in Tracks. They mention that the narrative did not engage their imagination as much as they had hoped, leaving them feeling distant and remote from most of the characters. While they acknowledge Erdrich's skill as a writer, they found this particular novel to be less captivating compared to her other works. The reviewer's overall experience with Tracks was one of disappointment, as they had expected more from the author.

Quick quotes

    The story for some reason didn't engage my imagination and I felt distant and remote from most of the characters.

    I had expected more from the author.

    While they acknowledge Erdrich's skill as a writer, they found this particular novel to be less captivating compared to her other works.

The Nature of Things · 2011-09-08
intriguing 4.00

The novel is a non-linear, stream-of-consciousness tale that draws comparisons to Faulkner's work. It is a deeply Ojibwe story that weaves together multiple narratives and perspectives.

The reviewer highlights the unique storytelling style of Louise Erdrich, noting that Tracks is a non-linear, stream-of-consciousness narrative that has been compared to the works of Faulkner. They appreciate the rich, interconnected stories and the deep cultural context provided by Erdrich's writing. The reviewer also points out that the novel's structure and style might not be for everyone, but those who appreciate complex, layered narratives will find it deeply rewarding. The story's exploration of Ojibwe culture and history adds a layer of depth that makes it stand out.

Quick quotes

    It is a thoroughly non-linear, stream-of-consciousness kind of tale, an Ojibwe tale.

    Her storytelling has been compared to Faulkner's and one can clearly see why.

    The novel's structure and style might not be for everyone, but those who appreciate complex, layered narratives will find it deeply rewarding.

The New York Times · 1988-08-24
great 4.50

The novel is part of a luminous trilogy that maps out the spiritual and cultural landscape of the Ojibwe people. It is a powerful exploration of displacement and loss.

The reviewer discusses Tracks as the latest installment in a trilogy that includes Love Medicine and The Beet Queen. They praise Erdrich's ability to map out the spiritual and cultural landscape of the Ojibwe people with luminous prose. The novel is seen as a powerful exploration of themes like displacement and loss, which are central to the Ojibwe experience. The reviewer appreciates the depth and richness of Erdrich's writing, which brings these themes to life in a way that is both poignant and profound.

Quick quotes

    In three luminous volumes, 'Love Medicine', 'The Beet Queen', and her latest novel, 'Tracks', Louise Erdrich has mapped out the spiritual and cultural landscape of the Ojibwe people.

    It is a powerful exploration of displacement and loss, which are central to the Ojibwe experience.

    Erdrich's writing brings these themes to life in a way that is both poignant and profound.

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