Book review: Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country

Reviewed by Karl Hele

Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country is the story of Louise Erdrich’s trip from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lake of the Woods. The book is a personal narrative as she explores the region in which her ancestors lived, loved, and died as well as a trip of personal growth, learning, and connecting to the land and waters.

Throughout the work and travel, Erdrich is accompanied by her infant daughter, Nenaa’ikiiizhikok. For Erdrich, Lake of the Woods with its many islands and pictographs is an Ojibwa book – particularly for those Anishinaabeg who know how to read the images. She also notes that the birchbark writings of the Anishinaabeg were likely the first books in North America. These Anishinaabeg books and islands-as-books are also connected to her work as an author and her personal love of books. All these islands and books convey knowledge, learning, and a portion of their creator’s being.

Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country is more than a simple narrative of travel and growth; it offers lessons in Anishinaabemowin and lessons in our spirituality, beliefs, and connection to water. It is also sorrowful at times particularly when Erdrich explains or explores places lost or occupied and communities passing due to colonialism, broken promises, and resource exploitation. Yet there is always hope and love throughout the narrative – through witness of the Anishinaabeg of the Lakes reembracing old beliefs and teachings, the patient teachings by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, as well as through the presence of the succeeding generations represented by Nenaa’ikiiizhikok.

Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country is a masterful narrative of life, spirituality, growth, and teachings all rolled into a wonderfully engaging tale. The landscapes and waterscapes throughout Erdrich’s writing come to life for the reader, as do her experiences and those of her child. She writes as if you are standing over her shoulder watching and learning. It is a read that will strike a chord with readers of many ages, particularly those who live, work, and journey into Ojibwe Country.

Louise Erdrich, Books and Islands in Ojibwe Country. Toronto: Harper Perennial, 2014. ISBN: 978-0062309969