The Game of Silence
Louise Erdrich is wonderful! This talented author thoughtfully crafted this tale that acquaints the reader with the warmth, care and intricacies of Native American culture. In this juvenile historical novel, the author highlights the day- to-day lives of the Ojibwe community in the mid-19th century. In this sequel (The Birchbark House, 1999), Omakayas and her family return for a cycle of the seasons.
The reader may once again rejoice in the growth of Omakayas as she moves from childhood play to the edge of womanhood. Erdrich weaves a beautiful, heartwarming story about Omakayas and the relationships in her life. These include challenges with her impish brother, Pinch; contests with the not-so-womanish Two Strike; and the earned respect from Old Tallow. Omakayas becomes more self-confident and mature in this follow-up. She will need this strength over the next succession of seasons since the white settlers will push her people west from their home on Lake Superior.
A glossary, with pronunciations, allows the reader to learn more about Ojibwe terms, which are attentively used throughout the book. This is a wonderful aadizookaan, which readers of every age will appreciate.
