Thursday 10 August 2017

History of Wolves


History of Wolves
History of Wolves



 History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund

Told through the perspective of 14 year old Linda/Madeline, History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund is an incredible first novel filled with emotion, power and depth exploring Linda’s coming of age in a remote community in the northeastern US. 

Linda lives in a shack on the edge of a lake in northern Minnesota. The shack is what remains of a commune where Linda spent most of her childhood, until relations among the members became strained and the commune dissolved. Linda and her parents live off the land, away from town, and Linda is often left to her own devices, her parents not asking where she goes or what she gets up to.

Linda is alone, she attends the local school and we learn a bit about her school life, which does not include any close friendships. Her tales of school revolve around her teachers, particularly one teacher who encourages Linda beyond her comfort zone, but disappears later as he is accused of child pornography. 

The greatest focus is Linda’s relationship with the new neighbours across the lake, a young couple with a small child. The father, Leo, is often away and the mother, Patra, hires Linda to watch over her young son, Paul. Linda really enjoys the time spent with this family and loves teaching Paul about nature. However, from the start we get the feeling that Paul is not your typical toddler.  Patra is very protective of Paul and sometimes snaps at Linda unexpectedly. 

The relationship Linda has with Patra’s family is interwoven with stories of her life at school and at home, and show her as an outsider in each, wanting to belong. It is this need to belong that perhaps allows Linda to be unaware of what is really happening to Paul. The reader is as unsure as Linda as nothing is told to us outright, we are continually piecing things together until the tragic end.

The dreamy magic realism writing structure gives the story a surreal feel, but at the same time the characters and action compel you to keep reading to see what happens next. I really enjoyed this story and found it a quick read as I needed to keep reading to find out if my suspicions were correct. 

For other popular reading suggestions check out Richmond Public Library's Web site at www.yourlibrary.ca/goodbooks/

14 comments:

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    "History of Wolves" is a captivating novel that has received mixed reviews from readers and critics. The book is described as a haunting exploration of isolation and longing, a mesmerizing atmospheric novel that lingers in the reader's thoughts, a powerful story that delves deep into the human psyche, and a narrative that skillfully weaves past and present emotions. The author's poetic and unsettling prose creates an immersive experience, and the protagonist, Linda, is a complex character whose struggles are profoundly relatable. The novel's depiction of the northern wilderness adds an eerie and captivating backdrop, and the impact of secrets and obsessions on the lives of its characters is poignant. The novel balances the mundane and the mysterious, offering a nuanced, character-driven plot that rewards those who appreciate a nuanced, character-driven plot. The book also raises important questions about morality and responsibility, and is a compelling coming-of-age story with elements of suspense. The title perfectly encapsulates the exploration of the history and legacy of its characters, and the book is a quietly devastating exploration of the fragile connections between individuals. "History of Wolves" is a remarkable debut that marks the author as a talent to watch in contemporary literature, leaving an indelible mark on readers.

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  7. "History of Wolves" by Emily Fridlund is a haunting novel set in a Minnesota town, examining adolescence, isolation, and human connection. Set through the eyes of a teenage girl, the story is filled with poetic and precise prose, creating atmospheric tension and evoking a thought-provoking and beautifully written debut. Abogado de Divorcio de Nueva York NY

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    "History of Wolves" by Emily Fridlund is a captivating novel that explores themes of isolation, adolescence, morality, and the natural world. The story is set in the remote wilderness of northern Minnesota, and its structure and chronology are analyzed. The novel's critical reception and comparison to other works provide insights into its themes, characters, and literary merit.

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