ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in 1954 in Minnesota, Louise Erdrich is a distinguished American author known for her profound contributions to literature. Her works particularly stand out for their emphasis on Native American themes. She is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. She earned a degree in English from Dartmouth College and later received a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from John Hopkins University.
With her unique narrative style, Erdrich has penned numerous critically acclaimed novels. These include Love Medicine, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award, and The Round House, which earned her the National Book Award for Fiction. Erdrich would win the National Book Critics Circle Award once again, this time for her novel LaRose. Another one of her novels, The Night Watchman, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2021.
Besides her novels, Erdrich has authored children’s books, poetry, and short stories, establishing herself as a versatile and influential voice in the American literary circle. Her works, deeply rooted in the complexities of Native American history, hold immense cultural significance for readers and critics alike.
SYNOPSIS
The Sentence begins with a bizarre crime. Tookie, an Ojibwe woman from Minnesota, steals the corpse of her friend’s former lover, unaware that the body is strapped with drugs. The misadventure lands her a 60-year prison sentence. This sentence is later reduced to seven years because of an unknown reservation lawyer who believes in her innocence.
Tookie’s life takes a turn as she starts working at Birchbark Books, a store owned by the author herself. Her life seems to stabilize after her marriage to Pollux, the very tribal officer who arrested her. They create a loving home surrounded by books and supportive colleagues. However, their peace is short-lived as Flora, a recently deceased, bothersome customer, begins haunting Tookie. Rumor has it that Flora died while reading the book The Sentence, a handwritten journal of a Native American woman who was incarcerated in the nineteenth century. The book ends up in the possession of Tookie, who is determined to decode its secrets. She nearly dies after discovering a particular sentence, managing to stop just in time.
Tookie blames her own transgressions for her hallucinations. So, she tries to destroy the book in an attempt to rid herself of those delusions. However, the book proves indestructible. Amidst this chaos, Hetta, Pollux’s niece, returns with baby Jarvis. Tookie’s strained relationship with Hetta adds to the emotional stress.
The onset of COVID-19 forces Tookie to face her fears alone in the bookstore with Flora’s ghost. Fellow employee Pen reveals that she, too, senses Flora’s presence. She even admits to writing eerie notes under Flora’s influence. As the pandemic rages, George Floyd’s murder sparks protests in Minneapolis. This makes Tookie even more resentful of Pollux’s past as a police officer. Amidst the unrest, Tookie finds solace in looking after Jarvis, strengthening her bond with Hetta.
Pollux contracts coronavirus. While anxiously awaiting his recovery, Tookie reconciles her feelings, choosing love over bitterness. Pollux’s eventual return gives the family a fresh start. Asema, another bookstore employee, uncovers that Flora died after discovering a dark truth about her ancestors’ cruelty to Tookie’s ancestor. Tookie figures that Flora’s ghost was leaving clues about her true identity and name, Lily. Finally, peace prevails at Birchbark Books and Tookie’s life when she sets Flora’s spirit free.
WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE SENTENCE
The Sentence is an unusual novel that is captivating from start to finish. The plot seamlessly blends a ghost story with the realistic struggles of an Indigenous woman. Along the way, it offers a vivid, authentic portrayal of modern Native American life in a city that stands out for its history and resilience.
Erdrich’s ability to put together rich details about Native American culture is awe-inspiring. Without letting her focus drift to solely historical brutality, she provides a nuanced look at the ongoing impacts of colonialism and racism. This balance makes the novel both educational and deeply moving.
The autobiographical elements give the story a special feel. Setting the plot around Birchbark Books, Erdrich’s real-life bookstore, brings an authentic charm to the narrative. The inclusion of The Sentence, a mysterious book at the heart of the story, further ties the author’s personal experiences to the fictional world, making it so much more believable and intriguing.
Another highlight of The Sentence is its literary richness. Set in a bookstore, the book is full of literary references and recommendations. This includes a delightful list of Tookie’s favorite books at the end. This is one aspect that will especially resonate with bibliophiles.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT THE SENTENCE
The novel could have done with a bit more balance and a slightly brisker pace. At times, the story dwells a bit too long on certain events, especially the sections dealing with Flora’s ghost and Tookie’s attempts to decode The Sentence. This might be challenging for readers who prefer a more fast-paced plot.
Furthermore, Erdrich’s ambitious attempt at covering multiple contemporary issues – like the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests – can feel overwhelming. While these elements add depth to the plot, they often come across as a heavy load of social commentary. This might distract readers from the central plot, making it harder for them to stay fully immersed in the main story line.
Lastly, while the rich autobiographical touches add a layer of authenticity, they might blur the line between fiction and reality for some readers. This could leave them questioning the very boundaries of the narrative, potentially toning down the novel’s immersive experience.
QUOTES
Now I live as a person with a regular life. A job with regular hours after which I come home to a regular husband. Even a regular little house, but with a big irregular beautiful blowsy yard. I live the way a person does who has ceased to dread each day’s ration of time. I live what can be called a normal life only if you’ve always expected to live such a way. If you think you have the right. Work. Love. Food. A bedroom sheltered by a pine tree. Sex and wine. Knowing what I know of my tribe’s history, remembering what I can bear to remember of my own, I can only call the life I live now a life of heaven.
But in the despair of routines, aberration is a radiant signal.
CONCLUSION
The Sentence is a fantastic read that interlaces a spooky story with stirring real-life moments. The novel stands out for its portrayal of the enduring human spirit. Erdrich’s skillful writing and memorable characterization create a rich narrative that celebrates resilience, community, and the love of books. Despite not being easy to read, this novel is a must-have for every book lover. Casual readers, however, will not mind passing over this one.
A reverential admirer of words, Madhu loves watching them weave their bewitching magic on cozy afternoons.