Redbery Books

The Round House is set on an Indian Reservation in North Dakota in 1988.  It is narrated by a thirteen year-old boy, Joe, yet told from the perspective of a man looking back on the events of that year. In the opening pages, Joe's mother is found sitting in her car in the family's driveway after having been brutally raped and beaten and smelling of kerosene.  She's not talking about what happened and Joe and his father are determined to bring justice to the perpetrator.  Although it is a very dark theme, the writing is so lovely and the tension builds so exquisitely that it's a joy to read.  The depth and complexity of the characters, combined with the nuances of life on the reservation, make the novel both interesting and entertaining.  If you're a fan of Louise Erdrich, you'll love this one!