This Tender Land

William Kent Krueger has a great talent when it comes to writing a coming of age story. Ordinary Grace is one of my favorite books, so I was excited to read another story about a young boy facing adversity that shapes him into the individual he will be. Krueger's depiction of America during the early 1930s is vivid and informative. I was completely immersed in Odie's world and the adventure he is forced to take to find a life in which he and his friends could be free and find a home.

This book tells the story of Odie, his older brother Alfred, his best friend Mose, and a little girl named Emmy. They are orphans who bond together to escape tragedy and abuse at the hands of those who run the Lincoln Indian Training School. The story follows them as they flee their pursuers in search of family and safety. Many unfortunate events occur along the way that challenge their faith in people and each other.

The plight of these children is heartbreaking to read, but their persistence is inspiring. Despite all the obstacles in their path, they push onward and do what they can to protect each other. Krueger's character development is top notch. I felt for these characters as if they were real. Each of them inspired compassion for different reasons.

Krueger takes great care to create a vivid setting in all of his novels. He describes the landscapes in detail without it becoming tedious. The river in this story becomes as important to the story as the characters. It is their lifeline, their escape route, their adventure.

I cannot recommend Krueger's books enough. Any reader who appreciates a descriptive, immersive setting and rich, complex characters will enjoy this book.