The Mighty Red, A Novel By Louise Erdrich

The Mighty Red, a finalist for the Kirkus Prize for Fiction and a Read with Jenna book club pick, is a sweeping, deeply moving novel by Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award–winning author Louise Erdrich. Set in the small community of Argus, North Dakota, the story revolves around a wedding that binds the lives of its characters, all struggling under the weight of their desires, secrets, and the relentless forces of nature and history.

Gary Geist, a young man set to inherit two struggling farms, sees marriage to Kismet Poe as his chance for stability. But Kismet, a former Goth with a restless spirit, is unsure of what lies ahead, even as Gary believes she might be his salvation. Hugo, a gentle giant who was home-schooled, harbors his own feelings for Kismet and is ready to disrupt Gary's plans, driven by love and a willingness to risk everything.

Meanwhile, Kismet’s mother, Crystal, drives sugar beet trucks for Gary’s family, finding solace in late-night radio and visions of guardian angels. She contemplates the precarious future of her family amidst economic downturns and environmental decay, as the echoes of the 2008-2009 financial crisis ripple through their lives.

Erdrich masterfully interweaves the intimate with the epic—human struggles with deep time, the fragility of relationships with the enduring forces of nature. The Mighty Red is a novel of humor, heartache, and hope, exploring the complicated bonds between people and the land they inhabit. It’s a story about survival, love, and finding meaning amidst the stark beauty of the Red River Valley. With its richly drawn characters and haunting prose, The Mighty Red is a powerful testament to Erdrich’s literary brilliance. 📚❤️