The Night Watchman
Louise Erdrich · b. 1954 · United States
Why it matters
A Chippewa night watchman and tribal council chairman fights a 1950s federal termination bill designed to strip his reservation of its recognition and land, based on Erdrich's own grandfather's real campaign. A Pulitzer winner rendering a little-known chapter of Native American history with grave, patient dignity.
At a glance
historical fictionfamily saga
Difficulty 5/10medium pace451 pagesA large ensemble cast and braided subplots move at an otherwise clear, accessible pace.
Deep dive
A reservation night watchman moonlights as a one-man lobbying campaign against a bill written to erase his own tribe on paper.
Where to go next
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