Books The Master Butchers Singing Club (P.S.)
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - Misconceptions
Ok, let me own up here. Having browsed the first few pages of the book, I was drawn to the fact that the story was based on a WW1 setting - and I've always been a fan of war-related stories ("Birdsong", "Slaughterhouse Five", "A Very Long Engagement", "Austerlitz"). On top of that, the prose was really fluid and easy to read. Hence I picked the book up. The fact that a well-groomed lady graced the front cover (a bit odd for a 'war' novel, I'll admit) and the fact that there were 1001 reviews on this site ought to have given me a heads-up, but somehow I managed to stay oblivious. Not that it was entirely a mistake -- it merely wasn't what I expected. Allow me to clarify -- this book isn't about the war (altho the story spans both great wars) or its tragic after-effects in people's lives. Sure, there was a touch here, a touch there -- but nothing much, seriously. It revolves mainly around the story of a woman, Delphine, and her relationship with the people around her. The characters are plenty and richly developed, except perhaps the character I thought would be the protagonist, Fidelis (again, totally my fault, I suppose?). So although the book was a page-turner (with very interesting scenes and nice, narrative prose), to a misled reader, it can prove rather frustrating. Think "American Pastoral" except this time, from a woman's point of view. The story is really Delphine-heavy. On top of that, the synopsis on the back cover implied some staggering plot between the two main characters. But even that failed to materialize with enough urgency or purpose. I finished the book, feeling rather quizzical -- honestly, I can't really put my finger on the whole thing. But at least one thing's certain -- misconceptions? -- well, they can REALLY ruin a good read. Be warned, my fellow reader! :)

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Rating: - Nope - it's not about men
This book was lovely - I thought Delphine was a great character and I, too, will remember her for a long time. I have read most of Ms. Erdrich's books and I love them all - but this is one of my favorites. There are certain things you can expect from a Louise Erdrich story - wonderful descriptive writing, mysticism, strong women, and always a connection to Native Americans. This book doesn't disappoint.

The book does wander here and there with subplots and different threads - but that is one of the things I love about Ms. Erdrich's writing ... it takes you on many journeys, but in the end everything ties back together - just perhaps not in the way you expect.

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Rating: - If you're looking for a good book, this won't dissapoint you
That Louise Erdrich likes to tell stories becomes obvious from the reading of her novel The Master Butchers Singing Club. She never races through a tale, but takes her time, dissecting every nuance in delicious detail. The book's central character is Delphine, whom we meet as she is returning home to Argus, North Dakota in the early 1930s with her balancing act partner Cyprian to care for her father, the town drunk. Delphine is a survivalist - a hard working, tough love, feet-firmly-planted-on-the-ground woman. She befriends Eva, the wife of the local butcher, Fidelis Waldvogel, who had immigrated to Argus from Germany after the first world war. Fidelis starts a singing club, the members of which make up many of the contributing characters of the story.

I had expected that the book would be about Fidelis, as the title had suggested "The Master Butcher". And it is, in that all of the stories and subplots relate to Fidelis and his family. But the novel really centers around Delphine and her struggles to survive and to help the people she loves. The novel is rich with subplots involving the various residents of Argus - Clarisse, the town mortician, Hawk, the love-struck sheriff, Step-and-a-half, the town rag collector, Tanta, Fidelis's spiteful spinster sister, and others. At times the novel reminded me of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg Ohio, with its bizarre midwestern characters all not-so-loosely connected.

I've read some other reviews of The Master Butchers Singing Club that didn't like the wandering subplots. I for one found the novel deeply satisfying. Erdrich writes simply and well. She paints vivid scenes that become etched in one's mind. I can see Tanta in her shiny silver suit, striding forcefully through the town looking for a job. I can see Delphine's father's house so layered with garbage, vomit, and piss that it takes months to clean out. I see Step-and-a-half's notions shop with the brand new sewing machine in the corner. Sometimes Erdrich lingers too long with the inner thoughts of some of the characters. My reaction when that happens is, this is a woman writing. Men don't write this way. I don't think my father would have the patience for this book. But my mother would love it.

In the end, The Master Butchers Singing Club is about love, loyalty, tragedy, and redemption. It is about how small actions of good will can change the course of lives. I highly recommend it.

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Rating: - A deceptive title, but a good read
I was quite surprised by this book. I somehow thought the Master Butcher and his singing club would figure more prominently. Actually, it is so much more about Delphine and her relationships with the other women in town, as well as the many men. Despite the title, I found the book very interesting and engaging. It is descriptive and intriguing. I did not guess the ending and love it when I am surprised in a believable and interesting way! I would easily recommend this book.