Title: The Round House
Author: Louise Erdrich
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Literary Fiction, Mystery
Year of Publication: 2012
Date of Publication: October 2, 2012
Pages: 336
ISBN-10: 0062065246
ISBN-13: 978-0062065247
Summary of The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Set on a North Dakota Ojibwe reservation in 1988, the story follows 13-year-old Joe Coutts as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the brutal attack on his mother, Geraldine. As Joe pieces together the events surrounding the crime, he is forced to confront the complexities of tribal law, family loyalty, and the lingering effects of trauma.
Joe’s father is a judge and he has a very respectable view of his father. His mother goes missing at the start of the book. Her job involves keeping records of family heritage and parentage of people born on the reservation.
In a way, the job is somewhat dangerous because discovering who is the parent of someone can be dangerous if one of the parties does not wish to be discovered.
One night, Joe’s mother goes out to deliver a file to someone but does not come back. She is later found to have been attacked but she is unable to remember where the attack took place. Afterwards, she completely shuts down.
The book also explores Joe’s friendships. He is friends with five boys. They are loyal to each other and help Joe as he investigates to find out what happened to his mother.
Main Themes
The novel is about justice, cultural identity, and the intersection of personal and collective trauma.
It highlights the limitations of legal systems in addressing crimes on Native American reservations. It further highlights the struggles for sovereignty and equity. Erdrich also examines the resilience of familial and communal bonds in the face of adversity.
Writing Style
Louise Erdrich’s writing provides a very detailed depiction of Ojibwe culture and reservation life. The author uses suspense to keep readers engaged but at the same time provides just enough information for you to understand the systemic and cultural challenges.
Impact of The Round House
The Round House earned the 2012 National Book Award for Fiction. It has been celebrated for its focus on difficult subjects and its portrayal of Native American life.
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