Though we have liked other Louise Erdrich books, we found the number of characters and the intertwining of their lives within the murder mystery too difficult for our group to thoroughly enjoy the book. If we would have mapped out the characters and their relationships, I believe we would have enjoyed the book more and would have better follow the story.

I have never read Erdrich before but it is easy to see why she is regarded as one of America's great literary writers. The Plague of Doves was short listed for the Pulitzer in 2009. The author weaves a complex, character driven story of relations between Native Americans and white settlers over three generations set in North Dakota. The book opens with a horrific murder of a pioneer family and the unjust hanging of 3 innocent Native Americans by white men. The characters are complex and well drawn. Erdrich writes very beautifully and her humor is laugh out loud funny. The book is not linear so it is sometimes difficult to keep the flow going. Those members who read the book through twice benefitted most.

An unsolved murder and a miscarriage of justice in 1911 continue to affect the lives of the descendants of those involved. Erdrich has sections of the book narrated by different characters. She also has the story jump back and forth in time between 1911 and 1970s. Her many characters are sometimes known by more than one name. But please, do not let these elements deter you. Erdrich’s prose is lyrical and flowing. I was intrigued and interested from the beginning. The novel deals with issues of identity and self-worth, of love and passion, of forgiveness and revenge. The audio book is well performed by the duo of Kathleen McInernery and Peter Francis James. They are able to differentiate the many characters.