Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "The Round House" by Louise Erdrich

1. Character Exploration:

   • Analyze the character of Joe Coutts. How does his perspective as a young Native American boy shape the narrative? How does he navigate the complexities of identity and justice throughout the novel?
   • Discuss the role of Joe's parents, Geraldine and Bazil Coutts, in the story. How do they each cope with the trauma experienced by their family, and how does it affect their relationships with each other and with Joe?
   • Explore the character of Linda Wishkob, a family friend and tribal judge. How does her background and position within the community influence her actions and decisions regarding Joe's quest for justice?

2. Themes and Motifs:

   • Discuss the theme of justice in "The Round House." How is the concept of justice perceived and pursued by different characters in the novel, particularly within the context of the legal system and tribal sovereignty?
   • Analyze the motif of the round house itself. What does it symbolize for Joe and his family, and how does it serve as a focal point for the narrative's exploration of trauma and healing?
   • Explore the theme of identity and belonging, particularly in relation to Joe's coming-of-age journey as a young Native American boy. How does his cultural heritage shape his understanding of himself and his place in the world?

3. Narrative Techniques:

   • Discuss the novel's narrative structure, which alternates between past and present timelines. How does this structure contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and the events that unfold?
   • Analyze Erdrich's use of language and imagery to evoke the setting of the novel, particularly the sense of place and the natural landscape of the Ojibwe reservation. How does the setting shape the characters' experiences and interactions?

4. Social and Historical Context:

   • Explore the novel's portrayal of Native American life on the reservation, including issues such as poverty, substance abuse, and the legacy of colonization. How do these social and historical factors influence the characters' lives and the events of the story?
   • Discuss the novel's exploration of tribal sovereignty and its implications for the pursuit of justice within Native American communities. How does the legal framework of the tribal court intersect with the broader legal system?

5. Plot and Symbolism:

   • Analyze the significance of the novel's title, "The Round House." What does the round house represent for Joe and his family, both literally and symbolically?
   • Discuss the symbolism of the sweat lodge and other traditional Ojibwe rituals depicted in the novel. How do these rituals contribute to the characters' spiritual and emotional healing?

6. Reader Response and Interpretation:

   • Reflect on your emotional response to the novel. How did the story and its characters resonate with you? Were there any particular scenes or themes that stood out, and why?
   • Consider the novel's open-ended conclusion. How does the ending shape your interpretation of the story as a whole, and what questions or themes does it leave unresolved?

Louise Erdrich, born on June 7, 1954, in Little Falls, Minnesota, is an acclaimed American author known for her vivid portrayals of Native American life, culture, and identity. Here's a brief biography of her life:

1. Early Life and Heritage:

   • Louise Erdrich was born to Ralph Louis Erdrich, a German-American, and Rita Joanne Gourneau, a Chippewa Indian (Ojibwe) descendant.
   • Growing up in Wahpeton, North Dakota, Louise was surrounded by her mother's Native American heritage, which deeply influenced her writing and worldview.

2. Education:

   • Erdrich attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1976.
   • She later pursued a Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

3. Literary Career:

   • Erdrich's literary career began with the publication of her first novel, "Love Medicine," in 1984. The novel received critical acclaim and won the National Book Critics Circle Award.
   • She followed this success with a series of novels, including "The Beet Queen" (1986), "Tracks" (1988), "The Bingo Palace" (1994), and "The Antelope Wife" (1998), which further solidified her reputation as a prominent Native American writer.
   • Erdrich's works often feature interconnected characters and families, exploring themes such as cultural identity, spirituality, and the impact of colonization on Native American communities.
   • In 2012, Erdrich won the National Book Award for Fiction for her novel "The Round House," which centers on a young Native American boy seeking justice for his mother's assault.

4. Other Ventures:

   • In addition to her novels, Erdrich has written poetry, children's books, and short stories. She is also a co-owner of Birchbark Books, an independent bookstore in Minneapolis that specializes in Native American literature.

5. Awards and Recognition:

   • Throughout her career, Erdrich has received numerous awards and honors for her literary contributions, including the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction, the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.
   • In 2021, she was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

6. Personal Life:

   • Erdrich has been married to author Michael Dorris, with whom she adopted several children, including some of Native American heritage. Dorris tragically passed away in 1997.
   • Erdrich later married Native American writer and filmmaker, Michael Obberecker, in 1999. They have continued to collaborate on various literary and artistic projects.

7. Legacy:

   • Louise Erdrich's works are celebrated for their lyrical prose, rich characterizations, and poignant exploration of Native American experiences. She is regarded as one of the most significant voices in contemporary American literature, particularly for her contributions to Native American literature and cultural representation.

Louise Erdrich continues to write and publish novels, poetry, and other works, addressing issues of cultural identity, social justice, and the complexities of human relationships. Her contributions to literature have left a lasting impact, inspiring readers and fellow writers alike to explore the diverse and multifaceted tapestry of Native American life.