This Tender Land (by William Kent Krueger)
Wow! This is my first time reading William Kent Krueger, and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed with his storytelling. I’ve always heard a lot of praise for his books and used to enjoy his Instagram posts, but I’ve since stopped using that platform. I recently purchased This Tender Land through my Audible membership because it’s one of his standalone novels. The narration by Scott Brick was simply fantastic! He’s one of my favorite narrators.
Set in 1932, along the Gilead River in Minnesota, the story follows the lives of two orphaned brothers, Odie and Albert, who reside at Lincoln School. Nestled amidst hundreds of Native American children separated from their families, the school stands as a stark contrast to the brothers’ own experiences as the sole white children. Frequently finding themselves in trouble with the stern superintendent, Mrs. Brickman, the boys’ only close companion is Mose, a mute student who arrived at the school after the tragic murder of his mother. Amidst this challenging environment, Cora Frost, a compassionate widowed teacher, emerges as a beacon of support for the brothers and Mose. Her nurturing presence and the presence of her young daughter, Emmy, provide a glimmer of hope and comfort amidst the hardships they face.
Following a tragic incident involving Mrs. Frost, the brothers rescue Emmy, and along with Mose, the four children escape from Lincoln School. With no specific destination in mind, the kids embark on a perilous journey down the Gilead River, facing immense hardships and despair. This Tender Land chronicles their journey and the diverse individuals they encounter.
I absolutely adored this book! When I read the book description, I wasn’t entirely sure if I’d enjoy a group of children who are vagabonds running away from an abusive boarding school for children separated from their families. However, my doubts quickly vanished. I became deeply attached to the children, particularly little Emmy and Odie. I suppose it was because they were so young, and I felt an instinctual maternal desire to protect them. The harrowing journey the group embarked on down the river kept me on the edge of my seat, as I eagerly anticipated how they would overcome the latest challenges they faced. I was captivated by the diverse range of characters the children encountered—both those who sought to harm them and those who offered them help and compassion. Even the most despicable characters imparted valuable lessons to the children. I particularly cherished the message conveyed by Odie’s selfless act of giving away what little he had to those struggling. Krueger effectively demonstrated the profound impact that sacrifice and generosity can have on our lives. The unexpected turn of events in the story took me by surprise, revealing new insights into the characters that I had never anticipated. While the narrative was often emotionally charged, it was beautifully crafted, and I remained utterly captivated throughout.
Well, I was so enamored with Krueger’s writing that now I want to read everything he’s written! I understand he’s written the Cork O’Connor Mysteries series, but my detective work has led me to believe that I should read it in the order of its publication. And there are currently 21 books in that series. While I prefer reading a series in order, I’m not ready to take on another one right now. I already have several series that I’m either trying to finish or simply get caught up with. Perhaps once I complete one of those series, I’ll consider taking on Krueger’s. In the meantime, I’ll focus on his standalone novels. His writing certainly warrants my attention and investment.
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