The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse

A Novel

By: Louise Erdrich

Narrated by: Anna Fields

A New York Times Notable Book

“Stunning. . . a moving meditation. . . infused with mystery and wonder.” —Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In a masterwork that both deepens and enlarges the world of her previous novels, acclaimed author Louise Erdrich captures the essence of a time and the spirit of a woman who felt compelled by her beliefs to serve her people as a priest. The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse deals with miracles, crises of faith, struggles with good and evil, temptation, and the corrosive and redemptive power of secrecy.

For more than a half century, Father Damien Modeste has served his beloved Native American tribe, the Ojibwe, on the remote reservation of Little No Horse. Now, nearing the end of his life, Father Damien dreads the discovery of his physical identity, for he is a woman who has lived as a man. To further complicate his quiet existence, a troubled colleague comes to the reservation to investigate the life of the perplexing, possibly false saint Sister Leopolda. Father Damien alone knows the strange truth of Leopolda's piety, but these facts are bound up in his own secret. He is faced with the most difficult decision: Should he tell all and risk everything . . . or manufacture a protective history for Leopolda, though he believes her wonder-working is motivated solely by evil?

The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse is a work of an avid heart, a writer's writer, and a storytelling genius.

©2001 Louise Erdrich; (P)2001 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Certainly Fanciful

I never knew what would happen. Lots of arbitrary rules appeared out of nowhere that Father Damien had to adhere to. I would have said no let’s talk about this. I know a famous pirate turned out to be a woman. It happens. Good story.

Beautiful writing, good narration

I loved this book. The lilt of the narrators voice was a joy. Erdrich is an extremely talented writer. The descriptions were beautiful- I felt like I was there. The characters had depth. The story was intriguing- it is more a spiritual tale of one’s life well lived. I will read it again.

Complex and multi-layered

I have read some Louise Ehrdrich's more recent work. This is denser and more layered. I am amazed by the range of her writing. On one hand, the crystalline, ecstatic description of a young Agnes playing Chopin in the convent. On the other, the hilarious account of Nanabush and the moose. It all has the ring of authenticity.

This quote from the text, “What is the whole of our existence, but the sound of an appalling love.”

I loved the beautiful complexity of each character. The characters who often hold more than one name in this grand story, our numerous, so the breeders joy of this book may be increased by jotting down a note or two along the way reminders of how these names fit into the story. That labor will be rewarded many times over. In addition, I listened to this book on Audible and found the readers voice to add a most enjoyable texture to the authors words.

Complexity

The story interweaves a complex tangle of relationships across cultures, generations, and genders to show in the end what matters most is love.