The Sentence by Louise Erdrich- Women's Prize 2022 Shortlist

[@pdxleo]

I fully agree with your review 😊😮😁

[@BobTheBookerer]

Thank you!

[@sage2181]

Erdrich is one of the very best. I buy and always save a few of her novels so I can enjoy them over time.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Yes! I totally get that now- it was such a pleasurable read and I want to read a few more of hers when I next get a chance!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great to hear you discussing this and glad you liked it so much! I really enjoyed her novel LaRose as well.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Thank you! And ooh, I will check that out! Thank you!

[@Bessie-On-Wheels]

I really enjoyed this book as well quite gripping. I learned quite a lot about indigenes culture and my favourite character was the bookstore itself.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Yes! Definitely! And I really liked the portrayal of that bookstore!

[@lindysmagpiereads]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Sentence. Erdrich’s warmth, humour and social justice awareness are a winning mix for me.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Yes! That’s such a perfect description of it- she’s really made me intrigued about her other work!

[@drawyourbook876]

I am very intrigued by this. I have been saying this forever, but I really ned to get to this shortlist very very soon

[@BobTheBookerer]

It’s a fun list! Really quite varied and not what I expected!

[@athertonca]

If I were allowed to select the winner for the Women’s Prize, it would be this book. Louise Erdrich narrates the audio version which added to my enjoyment and understanding. I haven’t read all of her books, but so far, my favorite is Round House. You made an interesting observation regarding Ann Patchett and Anne Tyler, two of my favorite writers. Thanks for the great review! Wondering if you have read Trust by Hernan Diaz or Booth by Karen Joy Fowler? Really hoping Trust shows up on the Booker longlist.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Ooh, that audio sounds good! I can imagine she has a great voice for reading her books! I’d love to read more of her books! I’ve not read Booth or Trust yet, but I keep hearing about them! I’ve just requested Trust from my library- thank you!

[@johnnamurraycamp5100]

I found the first 2 chapters of Trust a bit of a rough go, but it PAID OFF IN THE END (although I'd've been pleased to suggest some judicious edits). I would not have finished it had it not been recommended by a pal whose taste I trust. I did not finish Fowler's Booth. (Maybe I already knew too much about the Booth family to make it worth my while?) I DO happily and heartily recommend Fowler's 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'! Also, enjoy Tyler's French Braid, if you haven't already! :^) [Her Ladder of Years remains my fav among the dozen or so of her novels I've enjoyed.]

[@BobTheBookerer]

@@johnnamurraycamp5100 Ahhh, interesting! I love books that unfurl like that and you suddenly realise what they’ve been doing all along! Interesting about Booth- I overall enjoyed We Are Completely Beside Ourselves! Ooh, yes, I keep meaning to check out French Braid! There’s something so pleasing about her writing! I’ve not read Ladder of Years, but I’ll give it a look!

[@renepierre9074]

The Sentence is a book I have been really excited about reading. I have heard a lot of people saying that the novels time and geographical setting, along with the story she is telling through her characters can be quite distracting at times?

[@BobTheBookerer]

Yeah, it did get a bit confusing in parts for me, but overall I think it works- it pulls together a bit more towards the end of the book.

[@dqan7372]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Last two reviews I watched were more ambivalent. I have 'Round House' and 'Plague of Doves' already, so I'll probably start with one of those.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Thanks! And ooh, I’d be intrigued to hear more about her other work! I want to check it out!

[@curioushmm9027]

erdrich is a favorite author of mine but i found this book a bit half-baked i'm afraid. my absolute favorite of hers is 'the last report on the miracles at little no horse.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Ahh, totally fair! I’m excited to check out more of her work- The Last Report sounds good!

[@johnnamurraycamp5100]

No offense intended to an author who best work is engagingly innovative and whose work is widely and deservedly enjoyed - but I've been a bit underwhelmed by her work in the past; quite possibly my limitation(s), not hers! I really enjoyed The Sentence. I even followed up by reading some of the books referenced in the text. Serious reflections about ancestry and passing culture forward. Charming and bookish ;^) Brava.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Ahh, totally fair! And I’m intrigued to read more of her work, and the lists she provides at the back! The bits about ancestry I think are really interesting too!

[@BookishTexan]

I really liked this book. Much more than Erdrich’s Pulitzer Prize winner _The Night Watchman_. Enjoyed your review.

[@BobTheBookerer]

Ooh, interesting- I’ve got The Night Watchman (and at first got confused and thought she was shortlisted for that) and I really want to check it out!