Bookwoman:LaRose by Louise Erdich (2016) (BW16-4)

Wednesday, January 11

9:30 - 11:00am

An emotionally haunting tale about a tragic accident, a demand for justice and a profound act of atonement with roots in Native American culture. Landreaux Iron, a recovering alcoholic, mistakenly shoots his five-year-old son’s best friend in a hunting accident. Horrified by what he has done, Landreaux turns to an old tribal tradition – the sweat lodge – and finds a way to move forward. Following an ancient means of amendment, he and his wife decide to give their own son, LaRose, to the grieving family. LaRose is taken in by the family where each member struggles to find peace. Years later, he becomes the link between the two families and eventually their shared pain begins to heal. The story is a powerful exploration of loss, justice and healing.