A rich, multi-layered story

 

5 stars.  I felt warm in the embrace of The Mighty Red thanks to the gentle power of Louise Erdrich's skill with words. Such a simple story - essentially the love triangle between two boys and a girl - is enriched with deeper meaning about the world, the environment, people. I felt a member of the Argus community as I read about troubled Gary, unsure Kismet, wise Hugo, thrifty Crystal, fearful Winnie, mysterious Martin.

This isn't a fast paced story, by any means, but one that takes its time to develop and evolve. The reader patiently waits for the revelation behind what Gary did that caused so much upset within this town. Hints are sprinkled sparingly, the seeds of dread firmly planted. My heart broke with the explanation but that is not the whole of this story, just a fraction. There are so many levels to explore. Much to do with farming, a heartbreaking chemical practice by current standards, and this book brims with intelligence from unexpected quarters on a better way to work with nature.

I loved The Mighty Red and came away with hope for the future. Something surely lacking if you spend any time reading the news these days. Much like the end of the book, I felt at peace with the world. A rare gift I will cherish.