Tracks - Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich's Tracks, published in 1988, is a poignant and powerful novel that delves into the struggles of Native American tribes to retain their lands and cultural identity. Set in North Dakota during a period of intense conflict and change, the story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of two narrators, Nanapush and Pauline, who recount the events leading to the near-extinction of their tribe. The novel is part of a larger series that explores the interconnected lives of four Anishinaabe families, highlighting themes of passion, unrest, and the devastating impact of government policies and environmental destruction on indigenous communities. Erdrich's use of multiple narratives and her lyrical prose create a compelling and emotionally resonant portrait of a people fighting for survival and dignity.
Featured in at least 2 post-secondary course classes (last updated February 2025)
ISBNs of note: 9780060972455
Tracks: A Novel on Open Syllabus
audiobook (affiliate link—libro.fm—support this project + a small bookstore of your choice!)
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