Love Medicine

by Louise Erdrich
Love Medicine cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 5895
  • Added: 2025-10-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-25
  • ISBN: 9781623730383
  • Publisher: Odyssey Editions
  • Published: 2010-08-15
  • Reviews: 3

Love Medicine is the first novel in Louise Erdrich's iconic series set in North Dakota, where the fictional landscape becomes a vivid character in its own right. The story follows the intertwined lives of the Kashpaw and Lamartine families, exploring themes of love, loss, and the resilience of a people shaped by history. Through a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives, Erdrich captures the complexities of Native American life, blending personal struggles with the broader narrative of cultural survival. /n/nThe novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, as each character's journey reveals the deep connections and conflicts that define their community. Erdrich's lyrical prose and deep understanding of Ojibwe culture bring a unique authenticity to the narrative, making Love Medicine a profound and moving exploration of identity and heritage.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-10-25
powerful 4.50

The book is called a novel, but it is actually a collection of powerful stories that interlock the lives of two Chippewa families. The writing is metaphoric and poetic, but not pretentious.

This reviewer notes that Love Medicine is often referred to as a novel, but it is actually a collection of powerful stories that interlock the lives of two Chippewa families, the Kashpaws and the Lamartines. The writing is described as metaphoric and poetic, but not to the point of pretension. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters and the way the stories are woven together to create a rich and engaging narrative. The book's ability to blend different styles and tones is particularly highlighted.

Quick quotes

    Called a novel, Erdrich's book of powerful stories interlocks the lives of two Chippewa families in North Dakota, the Kashpaws and the Lamartines.

    Her writing is metaphoric and poetic, but not to the point of pretension.

    The book's ability to blend different styles and tones is particularly highlighted.

Musingsofamutie · 2017-11-08
emotional 4.50

The book is heavy with feeling, memory, and metaphor. It requires time to process after each reading session. The writing is poetic and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression.

This reviewer found Love Medicine to be a deeply emotional and metaphorical book. They mention that it's so heavy with feeling, memory, and metaphor that they had to pause after each reading session to process the words. The writing style is poetic and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. They also note that it's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. The reviewer's third reading of the book was just as impactful as the first, showcasing the book's enduring power.

Quick quotes

    It is heavy with feeling, memory, metaphor.

    I still had to pause after each session to process the words.

    The writing is poetic and deeply moving, but not to the point of pretension.

The Independent · 2013-11-14
engaging 4.00

The imagery is often gothic and magical, with many scenes being comic. The tone of the older stories resembles tall tales, myth, or back-fence gossip.

This reviewer highlights the gothic and magical imagery in Love Medicine, noting that many scenes are comic. The tone of the older stories is compared to tall tales, myth, or back-fence gossip, adding a unique and engaging layer to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the blend of humor and magic, which makes the book a compelling read. The book's ability to weave together different tones and styles is particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    The imagery is often gothic and magical, and many scenes are comic.

    The tone of the older stories resembles tall tales, myth, or back-fence gossip.

    Erdrich blends family love and loyalty in a stunning work of dramatic fiction.

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