Bite-sized book reviews
Bite-sized book reviews
“A Council of Dolls” offers a poignant and enlightening exploration of a dark chapter in American history—the “Indian boarding school initiative.” I first encountered this topic during graduate school and was both shocked by its brutality and saddened by its absence in mainstream historical discourse. This novel by Susan Power masterfully traces the lives of three generations of Native American women, with their stories largely narrated through the perspectives of their dolls, a clever narrative device. The book is beautifully crafted, interweaving the personal histories of these women into a cohesive and compelling narrative. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this tragic aspect of history through such a creatively told story. Understanding these painful past events is crucial—it helps us acknowledge mistakes and strive for better in the future.