A New York Times Notable Book
“Stunning. . . a moving meditation. . . infused with mystery and wonder.” —Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a masterwork that both deepens and enlarges the world of her previous novels, acclaimed author Louise Erdrich captures the essence of a time and the spirit of a woman who felt compelled by her beliefs to serve her people as a priest. The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse deals with miracles, crises of faith, struggles with good and evil, temptation, and the corrosive and redemptive power of secrecy.
For more than a half century, Father Damien Modeste has served his beloved Native American tribe, the Ojibwe, on the remote reservation of Little No Horse. Now, nearing the end of his life, Father Damien dreads the discovery of his physical identity, for he is a woman who has lived as a man. To further complicate his quiet existence, a troubled colleague comes to the reservation to investigate the life of the perplexing, possibly false saint Sister Leopolda. Father Damien alone knows the strange truth of Leopolda's piety, but these facts are bound up in his own secret. He is faced with the most difficult decision: Should he tell all and risk everything . . . or manufacture a protective history for Leopolda, though he believes her wonder-working is motivated solely by evil?
The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse is a work of an avid heart, a writer's writer, and a storytelling genius.
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"The story of Agnes DeWitt's shape changing life from leaving the convent and her life as Sister Cecilia, to becoming Berndt Vogel's lover and then losing everything to two tragedies: a bank robbery and the murder of her lover and later the loss of their home to a flood. Agnes once again changes shape and dons the cassock of Father Damien, who died in the rising flood waters. Agnes/Father Damien proceeds to his original destination, the reservation at Little No Horse. The majority of the novel tells the story of Father Damien caring for his flock. As with other Erdrich novels, the characters and their lives intertwine, but this book brought to the forefront the themes of religious dogma, love, not romantic love but "in service of the spirit of goodness, love," and the notion of appreciating a culture for all its wisdom and not trying to change it."
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Wavelength (4 out of 5 stars)