The Round House

A Novel

By: Louise Erdrich

Narrated by: Gary Farmer

Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

National Book Award, Fiction, 2012

One Sunday in the spring of 1988, a woman living on a reservation in North Dakota is attacked. The details of the crime are slow to surface as Geraldine Coutts is traumatized and reluctant to relive or reveal what happened, either to the police or to her husband, Bazil, and 13-year-old son, Joe. In one day, Joe's life is irrevocably transformed. He tries to heal his mother, but she will not leave her bed and slips into an abyss of solitude. Increasingly alone, Joe finds himself thrust prematurely into an adult world for which he is ill prepared.

While his father, who is a tribal judge, endeavors to wrest justice from a situation that defies his efforts, Joe becomes frustrated with the official investigation and sets out with his trusted friends, Cappy, Zack, and Angus, to get some answers of his own. Their quest takes them first to the Round House, a sacred space and place of worship for the Ojibwe. And this is only the beginning.

Written with undeniable urgency, and illuminating the harsh realities of contemporary life in a community where Ojibwe and white live uneasily together, The Round House is a brilliant and entertaining novel, a masterpiece of literary fiction. Louise Erdrich embraces tragedy, the comic, a spirit world very much present in the lives of her all-too-human characters, and a tale of injustice that is, unfortunately, an authentic reflection of what happens in our own world today.

©2012 Louise Erdrich (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Gripping Story, Colorful Characters

Would you consider the audio edition of The Round House to be better than the print version?

I am not sure about that. There were times when I wished I had a print copy to go back and re-read some scenes because either my brain wandered off while I was listening or I just didn't understand abstractly what was happening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Round House?

I think Joe's mother's depression really spoke to me. The author made me feel her pain and what she was going through. I both pulled for her and wanted her to snap out of it, but also felt understanding toward her and allowed her time to heal.

What about Gary Farmer’s performance did you like?

At first, I thought the narrator of this book sounded a little....er....drunk. But then I felt bad for thinking that because I realized it was an actual American Indian with a slight drawl of an accent! Once I was used to him, he helped make the book come alive to me by being an authentic part of the story!

If you could rename The Round House, what would you call it?

Wow...what a question. No idea. How about "Swamp Tea?"

Any additional comments?

This book has coming of age, Indian culture, religion, and strong families--a very enjoyable read and brilliantly researched and written by the author.

Great literature and a joy to read

This is my third louise Erdich novel, and i plan to read many more. One reason i read is to be transported to another place/time. Likely i will never experience life on a reservation any other way, but now i feel like i have. The ordinary day on a reservation is made to feel magical. The joys and pains of its residents come to life. A family tragedy feels personal. Erdich is a giant of the modern literary landscape that i feel justified in comparing to William Faulkner. She has her Yoknapatawpha county with its cast of characters. Yes, loved the book.

I love Louise Erdrich's novels

What made the experience of listening to The Round House the most enjoyable?

A story about a people we frequently forget about but were here long before most of us, immigrants on this land.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the humanity, the emotion, the search for justice, and of course the voice of brave 13 year-old Joe.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had to relisten to multiple chapters just for the pleasure of listening to the flow of the words and the telling of story (for example Nanapush)..

A good listen

It certainly gave me insight into living on a North Dakota Reservation. Also how a couple of bad decisions can impact one's life forever.

Love of family,culture and boyhood fun

Would you consider the audio edition of The Round House to be better than the print version?

Yes

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cappy - Joe's best friend. He loves his friend Joe and is loyal to him through all there antics. He is also funny and you like the character immediately.

What about Gary Farmer’s performance did you like?

He brought each character to life, giving each one a voice and character.

The Round house

A journey into the nature of mankind, of the reach of the consequences of our actions. We are not safe, yet are blessed by every step we take. Journey into the round house and feel...

one of those books that become a part of you

i had to read this book for a college class, I knew nothing about it. I couldnt stop listening/reading after the first 10 pages. what a beautiful and tragic story. so well written i felt lime I was seeing everythong through Joe's eye. i will cherish this book and the lessons in it for a lifetime.

Amazing Read

The audio enhanced the story for me. I followed along in the book and took notes for my college class. This was a wonderful story.

A moving story with likeable characters

What made the experience of listening to The Round House the most enjoyable?

The detail of the lives, surroundings and situations really put you into the story. This is something I believe Louise E. does best.

What other book might you compare The Round House to and why?

I have read nearly all of her books and could feel the connection between characters and her other books.

Which scene was your favorite?

The one where oops! was sleeping in the room with his grandfather and heard him tell the stories of the past in his sleep.

If you could take any character from The Round House out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The father

Any additional comments?

A wonderful story and characters and the reader was great to listen to.

lovely story, well told

I enjoyed this book and felt immersed in Native American culture. theirs is distinctive but evil transcends.