Love Medicine

Anyone who has read Love Medicine probably quickly discovered it would be a hard story to follow. There are multiple characters and each has their own story as well as their version of other character’s stories. The authors reason for writing the story the way it is, is the fact that life is very complex and often has various stories in which we don’t receive answers to all the questions we ask. However, to see the beauty in this story, you must be a reader of patience, which I am not. I can see…

The book "Love Medicine" has a time span from 1934-1984, where it draws its attention on a dozen different main characters lives which all interconnect with one another. The book follows a circular pattern with it stating in 1981 backtracking its way to the 30s and then finally ending where it started in the 80s. It begins with the death of June Morrissey and while she does pass away at the beginning she has a prominent role in the story. Almost every main character takes a turn narrating the…

Are you a fan of drama and heartache? If so, then Love Medicine might be the book you’re looking for! Love Medicine is a fictional American novel by Louise Erdrich that was originally published in 1984 and was later rereleased in an expanded edition in 1993. It received the National Book Critics Circle Award for Best Fiction in 1984 and is “Erdrich’s first and most critically acclaimed novel” (University of Nebraska-Lincoln). Erdrich herself is “the daughter of a Chippewa Indian mother and a…

Louise Erdrich’s widely acclaimed novel Love Medicine follows three generations of four Chippewa families through contemporary life on the reservation. Over a span of fifty years, issues from racism and identity to retaining community and life after colonization are explored. Erdrich beautifully contrasts the grim realities of life on the reservation with a poignant humour that counters the somber tone of the novel. Humour throughout the novel humanizes the characters while also bringing them…

people in the United States die from exposure each year. It was this that killed June Morrissey in the dead of winter--in the first few pages. In Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine, we learn the life story of June through other characters’ stories and memories. We learn about her as if we would learn from a family member over time. The effect of Love Medicine’s multiple narrative provides insight for the characters’ lives, especially June; who dies when the book begins. June Morrissey had a brief…

It is often said that perception is reality. In Louise Erdrich’s novel, “Love Medicine,” this is not entirely the case. Lipsha Morrissey is a young man adopted by whom he calls his “Grandma” Marie Kapshaw. Marie in all appearances is what some would call “super-mom.” Tending to the needs of everyone around her, with the perception of a domestic goddess, most women aspire to be, with her strength clearly displayed. Lipsha’s real grandmother, Lulu, on the other hand, appeared to be…

important aspects of a novel. It helps the reader understand what is happening in a novel and how different characters react. When a novel uses multiple points of view it gives the reader a chance to view an event from multiple angles. The novel Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich uses multiple points of view to show irony among other things of different events. There are many characters that can be considered the protagonists of the novel as well as the antagonists of novel depending on the…

in at times comedic, and at others times frustrating, and heartfelt ways, are two books: Annia Ciezadlo’s Day of Honey, and Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine. Ciezadlo’s novel is the firsthand account of an American war correspondent that marries into a Lebanese family. Annia’s relationship with her mother-in-law, Umm Hassane, begins with mutual respect and love for one another, but transforms into a game of proofs in which the resolution takes time and hard work to achieve. In contrast, Erdrich’s…

theme is portrayed. In the case of the Love Medicine, the homecoming is linked to sadness. At the very end of the novel when Grandpa Kapshaw dies, his spirit is still within Grandma Kapshaw’s home. Grandma Kapshaw describes Grandpa’s spirit as coming “back even after death to claim me [Grandma] to his side” (Erdrich 626). This can be interpreted as Grandpa coming home to Grandma because he finally is in his right of mind as he conquered his death and his love is coming home to Grandma Kapshaw.…

Louise Erdrich’s novel, Love Medicine is a fusion of Catholicism and Ojibwe beliefs. Both played a central role in the life of the author. The status of Catholicism is apparent, nevertheless, she possesses first-hand knowledge of Ojibwe culture as a recognized member of the tribe. As a product of an interracial partnership, Erdrich embraces and respects both cultures, accordingly, this can also be said about many of the main characters. Having done some research on the author’s background, I…