Lovely writing in this book about first nations loss, traditions and recovery. A painted drum is found by an estate agent in New Hampshire who is moved to find its owners and repatriate it. The drum has powerful and healing significance to all who come in contact with it, and the reader is given an insight into the importance of tradition as a means of healing change in a community. ( )

This book is essentially three separate stories, all of which are connected by a painted drum. The story begins on the East Coast with Faye Travers, who works with her mother valuing estates. When she finds a painted drum that she is certain was stolen by an Indian agent on the Ojibwe reservation, she steals it from the estate and returns it to the reservation. There we learn the story of the drum, as told by Bernard Shaawano. In the final section of the book, the drum plays a role in saving a family who is suffering from poverty and despair. Each of these stories are marked by tragedy and sadness, but the three narrators are strong and resilient.

I loved this book, first and foremost, because of Erdrich's writing. I listened to the book on audio and was mesmerized by her way with words. The stories were also fascinating, drawing me in and keeping me interested. In some ways, they read like short stories. Erdrich creates a rich picture of each life with only a few words and phrases. Like short stories, I often found myself wanting to know more about this aspect of one character or about what happened next. But, I came to appreciate each nugget that Erdrich shared. But perhaps most amazing was the distinctness of each voice. Although the three narrators were not at all similar, the voice of each rang true.

Highly recommended!

Its deftly calibrated prose and well-sketched characters are the real joys of The Painted Drum. Erdrich has a skill at writing about deep emotions, yet modulating them with a perspective and a wry humour which ensures that they don't become over-bearing or maudlin. Her view of the world is realistic, but hopeful. The book is probably best seen as three linked novellas rather than one novel, though, and for me its weakness was that just as I was becoming truly engaged with a character, Erdrich was moving on to the next one; I also felt that the last one was a little rushed, but perhaps that was a function of me finishing the novel while waiting to donate blood. *g* Still, well worth the read. ( )

http://amiralace.blogspot.com/2007/11... ( )

Louise Erdrich never disappoints her readers. This novel is not as enthralling as Mastre Butchers Singing Club, but it reverberates with the same precise and compelling prose. Traditions have always struck a chord with me, and I found this novel explained the mystical draw that they have individuals and families. The painted drum is an exquisite symbol of the pull of the Indian lore that makes me want to read more about it. It has mystical and mythical properties that cannoot be disputed by those who come to life within these pages. I will remember this book and its unique message. I remain a committed Erdrich fan. ( )