Ratings9
Average rating4.3
A difficult start: be prepared to feel lost for the first thirty-forty pages, to flip back and reread a few times. Stick with it: it grows ever more moving and graceful. (Also a little clumsy at times, a tad heavyhanded and preachy. Again, persevere, you'll be rewarded.)The story nominally centers around Rosalie Iron Wing, an adult Dakhóta woman in present-day Minnesota, but I can't say for sure that she was the main character. Do you remember that 1982 film, [b:Koyaanisqatsi 58439784 Koyaanisqatsi - Life Out of Balance Philip Glass https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1624812296l/58439784.SX50.jpg 91710952], the one with the haunting Philip Glass soundtrack? I think Koyaanisqatsi—Hopi for “life out of balance”—is the main character; everyone else, Rosalie included, is a minor (but not powerless!) player trapped in its orbit. Some aware of it and fighting for balance; others helping to tip the scales. Like in the film, the pace is slow and unrelenting. Unlike the film, the book is filled with determination, resilience, and growth.Most of you won't know the film. It's not important. What matters is that Wilson has crafted a powerful tale blending grief, strength, wisdom, and hope. Exquisitely written, filled with breathtaking sentences. I can't quite justify five stars, and I'm deeply sorry for that, but please consider adding this to your must-read list.[ Let's see if Goodreads allows me to link to the film: https://watchdocumentaries.com/koyaanisqatsi/ ]