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A modern classic of American literature, Louise Erdrich''s first novel is one of the most influential, beloved, and distinguished works of contemporary fiction -- now available as an Olive Edition. Set on and around a North Dakota reservation in the years 1934-84, Love Medicine tells the story of the intertwined fates of two families. With astonishing virtuosity, each chapter draws on a range of voices to limn its tales. Black humor mingles with magic, injustice bleeds into betrayal, and through it all, bonds of love and family marry the elements into a tightly woven whole that pulses with the drama of life. Love Medicine was greeted with great critical acclaim when it was first published in 1984. Its continuing appeal in the years since has amply confirmed Philip Roth''s assessment that Louise Erdrich is "the most interesting new American novelist to have appeared in years." Since 1984, Erdrich has written several companion novels-- The Beet Queen, Tracks, Tee Bingo Palace, The Last Resort on the Miracles at Little No Horse , and Four Souls , among others. All relate to the characters and events first introduced in Love Medicine . Indeed, taken collectively, this body of fiction forms an organic entity.
About the author
Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, is the award-winning author of many novels as well as volumes of poetry, children’s books, and a memoir of early motherhood. Erdrich lives in Minnesota with her daughters and is the owner of Birchbark Books, a small independent bookstore.
Summary
“The beauty of Love Medicine saves us from being completely devastated by its power.” —Toni Morrison
Louise Erdrich’s debut novel, one of the most influential, beloved, and distinguished works of contemporary fiction and the winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, is now available as a special Harper Perennial Olive Edition.
Love Medicine tells the story of two families, the Kashpaws and the Lamartines. Set on a North Dakota Ojibwe reservation and written in Erdrich’s uniquely poetic, powerful style, it is a multi-generational portrait of strong men and women caught in an unforgettable dance of anger and desire and a revelation of the healing power of love medicine.
Each chapter of this stunning novel draws on a range of voices, black humor mingles with magic, injustice bleeds into betrayal, while the bonds of love and family marry the elements into a tightly woven whole that pulses with the drama of life.
