The Sentence

A former prisoner turned bookseller confronts an unexpected supernatural presence at her Minneapolis bookstore after the death of a problematic customer. Working at the Indigenous-owned Birchbark Books, Tookie must solve the mystery of Flora's haunting while navigating her own complex past. The novel takes place over one year from late 2019 to 2020, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic and the social upheaval following George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis. The story centers on a mysterious book that may hold the key to understanding Flora's ghostly presence and her contentious claims to Indigenous identity. Set against the backdrop of a real independent bookstore owned by the author, the narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and redemption. The intersection of personal and collective trauma, along with questions about cultural appropriation and authenticity, forms the heart of this literary ghost story.

Readers appreciate Erdrich's blend of Indigenous culture, social commentary, and supernatural elements. Many connect with the bookstore setting and references to other works of literature. The COVID-19 and George Floyd protest portions resonate with readers who experienced these events in Minneapolis. Readers highlight: - Complex relationships between characters - Authentic portrayal of grief and healing - Insights into Indigenous perspectives - Details about independent bookstore operations Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Abrupt shifts between storylines - Too many subplots that don't fully connect - COVID-19 portions feel rushed or forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (31,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (800+ ratings) One frequent reader comment notes: "The ghost story draws you in, but the pandemic sections pull you out of that narrative flow." Another states: "The bookstore scenes and literary references make this a book lover's dream."

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🔖 Louise Erdrich owns Birchbark Books, an independent bookstore in Minneapolis that directly inspired the setting of "The Sentence" 📚 The author's own experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown and Minneapolis protests following George Floyd's murder are woven into the narrative 📖 Louise Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and frequently incorporates Indigenous themes and perspectives in her work 🏆 Erdrich won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for her novel "The Night Watchman," making her the first Native American woman to receive this prestigious award 📝 The ghost character Flora was inspired by real-life "pretendians" - people who falsely claim Indigenous ancestry, a growing concern in Native American communities