The River We Remember

How does this novel engage with the Indigenous history of Minnesota? How does it reflect changing understandings of interplay between settler and Indigenous communities?

Think about the dichotomy between good and evil. How is that reflected in the novel’s use of characterization? Which characters are a composite between the two forces? Some characters are wholly evil, but are there any that are entirely good?

How does the novel depict the psychological impact of warfare? Which of the characters are still grappling with their experiences during World War II, and how do those experiences shape their post-war identities? What do these characters suggest about the nature of trauma?